Suspicion

I walked quickly down the hall until I arrived at Madame Giry's door. I knocked softly and heard her voice through the door.

"Who is it?"

"It is me, Rachel." The door opened slowly and she peeked her head out. It looked as if she were in her nightgown. I wonder what time it is? I forgot to look at the clock, since I had that rude interruption. The door opened farther and she stepped aside to let me in.

"Come in, Rachel. What is the matter?" I hope she believes me! I went over and sat on the same chair that I had earlier. Madame Giry walked over and pulled up the other chair across from me.

"Well, first I would like to know what you think about Miss Sherry." Madame Giry smiled a little and shook her head.

"She is very bright and rich, obviously, but I don't think she is cut out to be in the opera. She thinks she is very capable, though, and I think it has gone to her head. Do you know what she told me?" I shook my head and she continued. "She told me that her voice sounded like an angel's and that all the real angels were probably very envious." She is even worse than I thought she was. She sounds almost as bad as Carlotta.

"Well, I am glad that you think that because she paid a little visit to me just moments ago. She said that she really wants the leading role in Il Muto. Since I am in the way, she wanted me to tell you that I am losing my voice. Then she will be able to play the role of the Countess. If I don't do this then she will, somehow, get me removed from the Opera House." Madame Giry stood up and walked around her room. She turned to me suddenly and firmly grabbed my arm.

"Was the Phantom near when this conversation was happening?" There was panic in her voice that gave me cold chills down my spine.

"I had just left from being with him, so I don't think he was listening." She loosened her grip a little but she still had a worried expression on her face.

"The Phantom hears and sees everything, even when we think he doesn't. I'm not really sure how he does it but he does. Be extremely careful, Rachel. He has a liking for you and will stop at nothing for you to be the leading role in every performance." She let go of my arm and sat back down in her chair. "As for Miss Sherry, I will have a little talk with her. I might be able to persuade her from wanting that part without being too obvious. Do not worry, child, for everything will work out." If only it were really that simple.

"Well, thank you, madame. I'm sorry I bothered you from sleeping." She stood up and walked me over to the door.

"Oh, it is alright. I wasn't a sleep for too long. Goodnight, dear." I made my way back to my room and walked inside. I looked towards my vanity but didn't see a note. I took my dress off and replaced it with my nightgown. I blew out my candles and crawled into my bed. I thought I heard a whisper as I was falling a sleep, and this time I didn't use my imagination as an excuse.

"Goodnight, Rachel."

Rehearsal was a disaster the next day. I went over my songs and my scales as everyone else practiced their parts. Miss Sherry kept giving me cold looks, I guess hoping it would scare me. I wonder if Madame Giry has talked to her yet? Carlotta limped over to her and started up a conversation. Two of a kind always get along. Madame Giry clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.

"As you all know, the performance is tomorrow. I think we should practice an extra hour today to make sure we understand everything. Let's take it from the top." Miss Sherry walked over to me and smiled her innocent, fake smile.

"Have you talked to Madame Giry yet? Time is ticking away, and with each minute that goes by you can kiss your career goodbye as well." With that said, she walked back to where Carlotta was standing. They both looked over at me and started to snicker. I hate you both! I don't know about Miss Sherry but I bet a cow could sing better than Carlotta. I walked back over to the center of the stage to sing my song again.

After rehearsals, I decided to go back to my room and rest for awhile before I met Erik for my lesson. I had just sat on the bed when there was a knock on the door. I got up and walked over to the door. I opened it up to see a very angry Miss Sherry standing there. She held a letter in one hand and had her other hand balled into a fist by her side. She pushed by me and stepped into my room. I shut the door and turned to face her.

"Why on earth would you send me this letter! You must have a lot of courage to send threats my way when you know the position I am in! All I have to do is show this stupid letter to Andre' and Firmin and you are out of here, you idiotic child!" What letter? I never sent a letter to her!

"I never sent you a letter. Yes, I admit I never did tell Madame Giry that I had lost my voice. I am going to play the Countess and I don't care whether you like it or not! Let me see that letter." I guess she was so surprised that I had actually raised my voice to her because she made no attempt to get the letter back after I had ripped it from her grasp. I opened it up and began to read.

Dear Miss Sherry,

I welcome you to our Opera House, although this is not a friendly welcome. I understand that you wish to have the leading role in Il Muto. Well, as we all know, Miss Thompson is going to be playing that role. If you make any attempts to ruin her moment, a disaster shall fall upon you and your good name. To hell with your father who has so called "connections"! I suggest that you back away from the dreams of ever having a leading role in the performances. I remain your obedient servant,

O.G. (Opera Ghost)

Erik must have been listening after all that day. I can only imagine what he has planned if she does not obey, which she won't. I folded the letter back up and handed it to her.

"I don't know who sent that to you, but it was not me." She gave a harsh laugh at my reply.

"Oh, that is very funny! Who else knew of my little plan of blackmailing you? Did you tell anyone else? You better not have, you little scum!" So, she calls me scum and Carlotta calls me a toad. They have wonderful vocabulary. I went over and opened my door.

"I promise you, I told no one nor did I write that letter. Now, I am very tired, so I think it best if you left. I will see you tomorrow at the performance. Goodnight, Miss Sherry." She gave me one last suspicious glare and then walked out the door. I shut it and locked it behind her. I went over to my bed and laid down. Now, if only I don't get anymore interruptions. I'll just rest for a minute and then go see Erik. Maybe he can explain a few things.

(Authors' Note: Okay, I'm sorry it is so short! I have a lot of homework tonight, so I can't be on long. I'll make the next one longer, though, and it will have more of Erik in it. It will also talk more about their growing relationship. Oh, Chrissy, you wanted to know where I found "Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade, they have their seasons so do we" line. Well, it's on the movie soundtrack. I don't know if you read your e-mail or not, so I just decided to write it here, too. Please Review!)