That All Too Familiar Face

I awoke to a knock on my door. I opened my right eye first and looked to the door. I pushed a side the curtains from my window and looked out to find that it was still dark. I slowly got out of bed and stumbled over to the door. I opened it up expecting to see Meg or Madame Giry, but there was nothing there but air. I shook my head wondering if I had just imagined the whole thing. I was about to close the door when I noticed a letter on the floor. I bent down to pick it up. I looked out into the hallway but saw no one. I closed the door and lit a candle on my vanity to read my mysterious letter. Once I saw who had signed it, I was fully awake.

Dear Miss Thompson,

I realize that I have just recently sent you a letter, but I must inform you that Carlotta is trying out for the leading role in Il Muto. I have no faith in her what so ever, but you are another story. I wish for you to audition for it and I must say that I have full confidence that you will succeed. If you ever wish to contact me, just call out Angel of Music and I will be listening. I remain your obedient servant,

O.G. (Opera Ghost)

I couldn't even think straight! I thought the first letter was just some little joke, but a second letter! This was starting to worry me. All this talk of ghosts and now these strange letters from the man that everyone seemed so frightened of! There is no way that I can possibly sleep now. I went over to the clock to see what time it was. Five o'clock in the morning. Well, I might as well get dressed since the audition starts at six. I took off my night gown and put on one of the new gowns that I had received as a welcoming gift. It was white with lace covering the bodice. It swept gently on the floor as I twirled around in it. I walked over to my vanity and pulled my hair up into a bun. A few tendrils found their way back to my face, but all in all I looked pretty good. I walked over to the huge mirror to see a full view of myself. As I looked in the mirror, a cold chill made it's way up my spine. I saw the candle flicker behind me as a breeze swept through the room. I went over to the window but it was closed tightly. That is very odd. Then, everything was back to normal again. You are driving yourself mad, Rachel! Get a hold of yourself. This place isn't haunted. I went over to my bed and sat down. I reread the letters over and over again until six o'clock came around.

I walked out of my room and locked it behind me. Meg met me halfway down the hall and walked with me to auditions.

"You don't really look as if you slept well, Rachel. Did something bother you during the night?" I didn't want to mention the knock on my door an the strange letters. That would just encourage the talk of the Opera Ghost and I really didn't need that right now. I hated to lie, but I just couldn't get past this one.

"Oh, it's just a new place for me and I will just have to get used to it. Don't worry, I'll be fine." We continued to walk to the stage. Meg was going to try out for the Page Boy role. I wasn't really sure of all the parts, but I knew I didn't want to let down the Opera Ghost, whoever that might be. Madame Giry greeted us when we arrived. She told Meg that it was her turn to try out. I stood backstage and watched. Madame Giry motioned for me to follow her over to a faraway corner. When I arrived at her side, she whispered something to me that I wouldn't have heard unless I had moved closer to her.

"Have you received any letters from O.G.?" I was pretty shocked at first. How does she know about that? Well, I might as well tell her.

"Yes, I have, madame. I received one after rehearsals yesterday and then one this morning. I thought it was probably just a joke, though."

"No, I am afraid it is all too real. The Opera Ghost has been with us for some time now. He actually does own the Opera House, but the new owners will not accept this. That is upsetting the Opera Ghost very much, so if he has asked of anything from you, you must meet his needs. Has he written anything that would cause you discomfort?"

"Well, he did say that he was very confident that I would get the leading role in Il Muto. I thought that was a little odd since he has only heard me sing once." Madame Giry seemed to ponder that for a moment.

"I don't know what he has planned for this audition, but please be very cautious. The Opera Ghost sees and knows everything."

"Miss Rachel Thompson, it is your turn!" Madame Giry led me back to the stage. She handed me a piece of paper that the Countess was to sing. I guess that this is the leading role. Well, here goes nothing.

After auditions were over, we all waited for Firmin and Andre' to make up their minds. I was starting to see why everyone was talking about Carlotta. Even though she had a strong voice, she didn't know how to use her scales. Of course, she was the lead singer, so knowing my luck she would probably get the role as Countess. It took around ten minutes for them to decide. We all went over to the stage and waited to hear the final decisions. Me, Meg, and Carlotta were the last to be called.

"Meg Giry will be a Page Boy along with Rachel Thompson. The Countess will be played by Carlotta. Rehearsal will start tomorrow at seven o'clock sharp. That will be all." Madame Giry and me looked at one another. What would the Opera Ghost have in store now?

The next day we started rehearsals. So far, nothing had happened out of the ordinary. I was starting to wonder if the Opera Ghost even cared, but I thought too soon. As Carlotta was practicing her part, a loud crashing noise sounded all through the Opera House. One of the props had somehow fallen and landed on Carlotta's foot. She fell over in pain, crying out in her French tongue. I looked up towards the ceiling and I thought I saw a black shadow. What if this was the doings of the Opera Ghost? Maybe Madame Giry really does know what she's talking about. Some stage hands helped Carlotta off the stage. Madame Giry rushed over to us.

"Everyone, please return to your rooms. Rehearsals will be cancelled for today. Return tomorrow around the same time, though." As she walked away, she leaned over to me and whispered, "Be careful, little one. He has proved his point." With that, she walked away. Meg rushed over to me.

"Wasn't that scary! This has got to be the doings of the Opera Ghost! I told you that he was real! Now do you believe me?" I wasn't in the mood for this. I was already frightened as could be.

"Meg, I have a really bad headache, so I'm just going to go lie down. I will see you tomorrow at rehearsals." I walked to my room and unlocked my door. Laying on my vanity was another letter with the skull seal. My heart started to pound in my chest. He had been in my room again. How does he do that? I lock it every time I leave! I opened the letter with shaking fingers.

Dear Miss Thompson,

I must admit I was very disappointed with the audition. I know you were made to sing the Countess role, so that is why you will. Since Carlotta has been injured, why should they not let you take her place? I will be looking forward to seeing the performance. I remain your obedient servant,

O.G. (Opera Ghost)

Even though it didn't mention how Carlotta had gotten hurt, I could tell he knew. Why was he so fond of me? I have just arrived and all of a sudden am receiving all these letters of encouragement. If it wasn't so creepy, I would have enjoyed it. Even though I appear quiet an timid, I have never been one to let something get the best of me. I decided to do a little investigating. I opened my door and looked out into the hall. No one was there, so I locked my door behind me and made my way down the hall. I didn't exactly know where I was going, but I just knew that if this ghost really was that fond of me, he would lead me to him. I stepped onto the stage and looked out at the empty seats. Something in the corner of my eye caught my attention. It was that eery shadow again. It was in Box 5. I vaguely could remember, but I recalled hearing that the Opera Ghost usually sits in Box 5. I made my way off stage and to the back. There was a door that said it led to Box 5. I opened it up and climbed the stairs. Once I got up there, all I saw was an empty seat. Feeling a little foolish, I went over and sat down. That is strange. The seat feels warm, as if someone had been sitting hear recently. I remembered what the letter had said. Just call out Angle of Music and I will be listening.

"Angle of Music, hide no longer!" I heard the words echo inside the Box. No one answered, so I decided that this was just a waste of time. I stood up and turned around to find myself face to face with a white mask. A man dressed in black with a white mask covering part of his face stood before me.

"You called." It can't be! Erik...?

(Author's Note: Okay, so she has met the Opera Ghost at last. If anyone is wondering, this is an EOC story, and Christine doesn't exist. I'll try and update as soon as possible. Please review!)