A/N: Thank you for those who review. I'm glad you like this so far. And thanks again to my beta, Megan, for doing a marvelous job. Couldn't do it without you babe! Here's Chapter 2!

Chapter 2- "Where Am I?"

"Christine? Christine!"

Her eyes slowly opened; blinded by an intense light and dark shapes hovering above her. The shapes took form of worry filled faces. She groaned and closed her eyes to open them once more to find the faces still over her.

"Christine?"

That voice sounded familiar and Christine twisted her head to look up at a pink faced, blue wide-eyed, and golden-haired girl.

"Meg?" Christine whispered.

"Girls! Back away this instant!" Another person came over Christine, which she recognized as none other than Mrs. Antonia Gary. The woman's unfeigned gray eyes gaze down at her with concern, her long braided light caramel hair fell over her shoulder. But how?

"Mrs. Gary?" she squeaked confused. The last thing she remembered before her car hit the railing was this white light that seemed to consume the vehicle and then no more.

Mrs. Gary's hand took hold of hers and pulled her up with Meg steadying the weakened Christine. She glanced down to find herself wearing a long crimson skirt with an armor-like midriff halter-top. What the Hell…? This wasn't right. Where was she?

The scene in front of her could be described as chaotic. A large backdrop was being cleared off the stage and this large obnoxious woman was cursing out two men who bore a striking resemblance to Christine's agents.

"These things do happen? No! These things does not happen!" she bellowed. Picking up her skirts, she stormed off screaming she's never coming back along with a rich vocabulary in Spanish.

Christine smirked at the woman's actions for it reminded her of Caroline. It's either her way or the highway. But something wasn't adding up here. What happened exactly when her car derailed?

"Sirs, I have a message from the Opera Ghost," Mrs. Gary told Andrews and Foster. "He welcomes you to his Opera house-"

"His Opera house?" repeated Foster, astonished at such a statement.

"And he commands that you leave Box Five empty for his use," she went on. "And that his salary is due."

Opera house? When did either of them worked at an Opera house? Christine turned to Meg and asked what was going on. Her best friend would know why everyone was acting strange.

"Well, La Carlotta was performing for the new managers, Messieurs Andre and Firmin, when the scene fell on top of her. It barely missed her and then you fainted!"

"I see," she replied sheepishly. "Who caused it to fall?"

"The Phantom of the Opera of course!" the blonde exclaimed.

"Phantom?"

"And it appears we lost our star! A full house Andre! We should have to refund the whole house!" Firmin shouted.

In a flash, Mrs. Gary was standing over by Christine. "Christine Daae could sing it sir."

"A chorus girl? Are you mad Madame Giry?" Andre asked.

"She's been well taught I assure you. Just let her sing."

Sing? Daae?

"No!" Christine cried. "I mean I… singing is not part of my life anymore."

Madame Giry regarded her strangely and after a few moments of a careful inspection her features were washed over with realization.

"The child is frightened Madame Giry. She's probably not in shape for the role of Elise," Firmin spoke. "It is too demanding for a mere pretty voice."

"Christine, you are very pale! Are you ill?" Meg asked, full of worry.

Christine ignored her friend and defiantly stared at Foster… Firmin. "I never said I couldn't do it. I'm sure I could if I wanted too, but it's not my life anymore. I'm sorry."

"I was mistaken Messieurs," Antoinette Giry apologized. "I forgot about Mademoiselle Daae's decision. I'm sure Carlotta will return before the performance begins. Now, come with me Christine. You look like you need some rest."

Christine meekly nodded, realizing how tired she was, and walked away with Madame Giry.

High up in the rafters, Erik watched as his plan worked perfectly. The monstrosity of a woman left after finally being pushed with so many "accidents". And just like he hoped, Antoinette suggested Christine for the part.

He knew that his Christine would no doubt replace the diva once those two fools heard her. Erik couldn't wait for the audition to begin until it all was dashed when the girl announced music wasn't part of her life.

How can that be? She was dancing and singing moments ago before I dropped the backdrop! He thought frantically. Unless… no! She couldn't have known that her Angel and the Phantom are one in the same! So then why her sudden change in heart?

"Oh Christine," he moaned. He waited for so long for the right opportunity to hand the prima donna's career over to her and it went through the roof. She couldn't have been nervous. He assured her plenty of times she was perfect and that all of Paris would weep at the sound of her angelic voice. And she was so confident and awaited for her Angel to act on his promise! He did and she pulled back so suddenly. There was no warning of her indecisiveness!

Erik couldn't believe that Antoinette, of all people, allowed her to get away with it! She never was the kind of sort that would give in to puny excuses of not performing! Antoinette knew of his dream to make Christine Daae the next star of the Opera Populaire. She knew!

He had to talk to both. He needed… no… deserved an explanation! And he didn't care from whom he got it.

With a swirl of his black cape, the Phantom was gone.

Christine stayed close behind as Mrs. Gary… Madame Giry led her to what she assumed was "her" dressing room. There were so many questions she wanted answers to, but the older woman wouldn't hear none of them just yet. She muttered something like, "he will hear" and that was all.

Christine knew she was in France definitely Paris since she was in a pretty extravagant Opera building. From the style of clothing and manner, she figured late 19th century.

Madame Giry stopped and opened a flower-printed door with the name Christine Daae engraved on a sign above it. She ushered her in and quickly closed it.

Christine looked around in awe. This dressing room was larger compared to what she used for shows and appearances. She never saw a reason why one person should have so much space when they're only in for a few minutes.

The room was a bit homey from the luxurious creamy white carpet to the crimson covered walls decorated with posters of previous operas done. Straight ahead was a tall and wide mirror and to the left was a vanity set. The dresser had different wooden carvings of roses and cherubs, attached to it were three narrow mirrors for her to apply make-up, fix her hair, or whatever she wished. To the right of the mirror stood a changing screen with a few dresses draped over the side and next to it a couple of racks filled with multiple costumes.

Madame Giry went behind the screen to return with a cotton nightgown and handed it to her.

"I know you're a bit confused but I'll explain everything later once you have rested. Now, there's a settee over there for you to lie on and do not open the door to anyone, but myself. Is that understood?" Christine nodded and she continued. "Good. Don't worry about anything. I'll speak to him and he won't bother you."

She smiled warmly to her, which only seemed to make Christine wary.

"Thank you but who's this 'he'?" she asked but it was too late. Madame Giry left without another word.

Sighing, she scanned the room once more and decided she should make the best of the situation and be thankful she's not dead. She headed over to the changing screen when her reflection in the large mirror stopped her. It was then she realized her side was no longer hurting her.

She laid a hand where Ray had kicked her and pressed firmly. No pain. Setting the gown down on the floor, she inspected her body to find all of her cuts and bruises were gone. There was nothing to even show she was harmed. It was like she had an all-new body.

"I must be dreaming," she said to herself. "If it is then I don't want to wake up."

When she was through checking herself, Christine quickly changed into the dressing gown and lay on the comfy divan. There had to be a reason why she was sent here of all places. She knew she never had any relatives that came from France and the name Daae didn't sound familiar to her at all. Could it be a past life?

She shook her head from such nonsense. She wasn't as firm of a believer in that sort of topic like Meg was. And then there was this "Phantom" and "him" that Madame Giry mentioned. She chased away all thoughts of the coincidence of the name Phantom. It was foolish to even think of it. So what significance was this "he" to Daae? Madame Giry seemed to know something and after all she was a bit on the anxious side.

Shrugging to herself, Christine didn't think any more on it and drifted off into an easy slumber.

Erik was on his way to Christine's dressing room when he ran into Antoinette, who appeared to be waiting for him outside the girl's door.

"Erik."

"Antoinette." Erik bowed his head and crossed his arms. "Care to explain what happened or do I have to ask Christine?"

"Leave the girl be," she spoke firmly with a don't-mess-with-me tone. "She's not well."

"Of course she's not well!" Erik snapped. "Or why else would she turn down a once in a lifetime opportunity?"

"It's hard to explain mon ami," Antoinette said softly. "But you must refrain yourself from speaking, singing, and Heaven forbid show yourself to her."

"Why?" he demanded. "If it's my wish then you know I will do it. Besides, she'll wonder why her Angel hadn't appear yet."

"Erik, I'm afraid she won't." At his baffled façade, she elaborated. "I'm not sure how to tell you this, but that is not our Christine. She may look like her and even sing like her but it's not her. I can't explain how I know this, but when I looked into her eyes I just knew. They weren't her usual cheery glow, but more dark and subtle sadness. Oh Erik, I know something happened to her and she doesn't need you telling her what to do as her Angel of Music. For all she knows, you don't exist. She needs to be left alone."

Erik couldn't believe what his friend was revealing to him. Not Christine? Not his Christine?

"Madame if she's not Christine, then where is Christine?"

"I do not know. Just please do this one thing for me Erik. I assure you that's all I'll ask of you. I'm sure Christine will make her appearance but until then you have to make yourself scarce. Have faith, my friend, she'll come back."

"Faith?" he scoffed. "You know me better than that, but I will comply with your wishes Madame. I shall not bother her, you have my word as a gentleman."

Relief spread throughout her weary features and smiled graciously at him. She knew this would be hard for him, but at least she knows that Christine won't suffer his wrath.

"Thank you Erik," she spoke to the retreating shadow and sighed. She was needed back at rehearsals and those girls wouldn't dance unless someone told them too.

A few hours later, Christine knew she was being watched. Who, she wasn't sure but it despite it being disturbing it was rather comforting. Still "sleeping" she rolled over to her side and peek through her eyelids. It was a trick she picked up from… him and it's difficult to do. You still have to remain in a state of sleep and awareness and slightly open them without anyone seeing. From what she could see there was no one in the room.

She fully opened her eyes and stretched her arms while scanning the room thoroughly. She was a light sleeper and she could easily hear what's going on. But her door never opened so she still appeared to be alone, despite the feeling of another presence. She vaguely recalled a heated discussion outside but was so tired that she didn't hear all of it. She recognized Madame Giry's voice and the other was more manly, but that was the only time she fell into a deep unconsciousness before waking once more to only fall back into a light stupor.

"Too many horror movies for you girl," she joked nervously to herself. She got up and went behind the screen. She found a dark gray dress and slipped it on. She didn't bother with the corset. "There's no way I'm wearing that," she muttered as she walked out tying the laces in back together.

The dress was comfortable but Christine never liked wearing anything that was formal until the time was called for. Give me a pair of jeans and a tank top any day, she thought as she stop to admire herself in the mirror.

It was apparent that she and Daae had similar shapes so finding outfits to wear wouldn't be a problem. But Christine preferred the comforts of moving around easily without feeling so encased with fabric. Maybe I could change all that.

Christine touched her face and almost squealed for joy at the undeniable smoothness she felt. No bumps, no cuts, no nothing! Just smooth flesh on flesh. Oh how she missed that!

Tears began to prick in her doe brown eyes and for a second she forgot about her predicament. She wasn't the same Christine Dallas anymore; she was now Christine Daae untouched by the cruelties of the world.

Feeling giddy, she twirled around and stopped abruptly at what she saw on the vanity. She stared at the object, not expecting to see it ever again. This has to be a prank! She thought wildly. It wasn't there before…

Her eyes darted around and she was positive there were no signs of force entry into this room. Swallowing hard, Christine cautiously walked over and picked up the delicate silver chain. Streaming down were icy blue crystals on the chain that led to the center- a small silver butterfly with a large matching blue crystal for a body with little spots of blue outlining its wings. The antennas were curved inward almost making a miniature heart.

Christine's breathing stopped as she gazed at the necklace. It was with her before she crashed. The last time she seen it was also the last time she worn it, which was the night before he left. It wasn't until after she began dating Ray when she vowed she would never wear it again. It brought back too many glorious and painful memories.

She must have left it in the Porsche all that time when she saw it in the vehicle. It seemed likely, since she hardly drove it. But how did it end up here with her?

"This doesn't make any sense," she murmured aloud.

She examined the necklace once more and there was no question in her mind that it was hers. Maybe Madame Giry put it here while I was sleeping, but I would have heard her…

Shaking her head, she wondered what she should do with it. Put it on, a voice in her head whispered.

"No," she stated firmly and then thought how ridiculous she was behaving. "Here I am talking to myself. I must be losing my mind after all."

No longer wanting to see it, Christine opened one of the drawers and dropped it in. There. I feel a little bit better. And she did.

The door swung opened and Madame Giry hustled in quickly. She closed it, making sure it was secured, and faced the startled Christine.

"I'm glad to see that you're up." Her voice was pleasant and very warm, much like Antonia Gary's. "I hope you had enough rest."

Christine nodded. "Yes I did. I haven't gotten a good nap in for a long time since… well I shouldn't have to worry about it now. I guess I owe you an apology for humiliating you in front of Andrews and Foster, I mean Andre and Firmin."

The woman chuckled. "That's quite all right…"

"Christine. Christine Dallas or Angel. That's what I'm known as." She smiled. "Thank you for everything."

"There's no need to thank me, child. I look to Christine Daae as a daughter and you two do look so much alike."

Christine bit her lower lip and berated herself that this woman's kindness wasn't just out of pity but for the actual Christine. Idiot.

"Do you know how you came to be here?" Madame Giry asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Her ebony head shook. "To be honest no. The last thing I remember was driving in my car and I was heading towards a rail and then I blacked out. Then bam! I'm here."

"Oh." The ballet instructor wasn't sure what to make from this, but nodded for her to continue.

"That's it really. I don't know where I was going, though I think I was going to my friend's house. But it's a bit foggy."

Antoinette nodded sympathetically and sat on the settee, beckoning Christine to join her. She did and looked to the ground.

"So, um, what year is it? I figured around 1880s or something."

"1870 to be exact. And judging from what you've told me you're from what's to come, right?"

She nodded. "2005, 21st century. So if I happen to say something you don't get, then don't mind it. It'll take a while for me to adjust to this whole thing." Antoinette smiled at her for her opened honesty. Though, the real Christine Daae would never be so outspoken like this young woman apparently was.

Both sat as an uneasy silence passed over them until Christine spoke:

"What was she like? Christine Daae."

Madame Giry blinked and a small smile formed on her weathered lips. "She's something of a prodigy. Her father, Gustav Daae, was a famous Swedish violinist who sadly died when she was seven. I brought her here as guardian and this is where Christine spent her life basically living and training in the ballet dormitories. She's a very close friend to my daughter, Meg, whom I see you made her acquaintance."

"She looks like my friend, Meg. Everyone here reminds me of someone in my life in the future. You, Meg, the managers, and even Carlotta."

"You poor thing!"

Christine laughed. "It's no big deal. We're rivals in the music scene. We both sing pop and we share the same agents. But you never answered me when I asked about this 'he' you talked about. He must have some importance to her life."

"Indeed he does. He's her… singing tutor. A genius whose been coaching her for some time so she can reach her highest potential."

"Wow. I never had a coach like that. It's funny how similar Christine is to me, except my father taught me to sing and he died about a year ago. He used to play the violin as well."

"You were close to him," informed Madame Giry.

"How'd you know?"

"Christine was the same way. She loved him dearly. As do you. I can tell in your eyes."

"I suppose nothing bypasses you. Mrs. Gary was the same way. Used to bug Meg and me all the time. No offense!"

"None taken."

"So do I have to worry about this tutor?"

"No. I've talked to him and he understands if you're not feeling well then to take as much time off until you are well," she said.

"That's awful kind of him. But Madame Giry, I hate to be burden and all but I wasn't kidding when I said I gave up singing. I don't have the spirit like I used too and-"

"Consider it done. But word to the wise, do not tell anyone who you are. They might not take it, as easily I am, especially Meg. Just please try and not speak to her of your true origins. I'm afraid she might not understand this. The managers might be upset but they can't force you if you're ill and that's what we should tell everyone."

"Thank you," Christine softly replied. "Maybe my stay won't be so long."

"Well, if there's one thing I believe and Christine Daae does as well is that everything happens for a reason. And it's up to you to find it. Now come. I'll show you around and then if you wish you can be with the other girls, though Christine did keep to herself."

Nodding, Christine got up and followed Madame Giry out the room.

Unbeknownst to them, was that they were being watched.

TBC…