Blackmail (Part I)

I awoke to the sound of birds chirping. I rested a hand on my head and blinked my eyes open several times. I felt as if someone had hit me in the head. A sharp throbbing pain had stayed in my temples when I had went to bed, and I supposes it had never gone away. I sat up and tried to remember what day it was. My thoughts were all jumbled together in my brain, so I couldn't think clearly. Oh, what is today? What was yesterday? Um...it's Sunday, I think. Yes, that must be right. That means no rehearsals. Goodness Rachel, love has left your brain paralyzed! You must shake yourself out of this and realize that Erik isn't the same little boy you once played with. He is a grown man who is troubled and confused. You must just go own with your life, and try to forget about him. Easier said than done, I know. I groaned and slowly got out of bed. I walked over to the vanity and sat down in the chair. I looked at my refection in the mirror. You could never tell that inside my emotions were like a hurricane. I looked calm and collected as ever. Well, at least it's not showing on the outside.

I began to brush my hair, when I suddenly noticed a letter lying on the floor next to my door. I set my brush down and walked over to pick up the letter. At first I thought it might be from Erik, part of me wishing it was, but it turned out to not have the skull seal on the back. I slid my finger under the flap and opened up the letter. I didn't recognize the writing until I looked at the signature. My heart started to pound like a drum in my chest. The letter was signed Miss Sherry! Why would she send me a letter? She hasn't even talked to me lately! Needing to know what this was all about, I began reading.

Dear Miss Thompson,

You are probably wondering why I am writing you a letter. Well, I decided that we have too much conflict in our friendship.

That made me snort. Friendship? What is she talking about? I continued reading, though.

So, I have come up with a solution to all of our problems. I need you to do one little favor for me, and in return I will do a great favor for you. You see, my father is coming tomorrow to visit me, and he believes that I am the lead singer and dancer. I simply cannot tell him that I, an heiress and extremely gifted person, have lost that position to a poor, country girl. I need you to resign from being the star, and just become another ordinary dancer and singer. If you do this for me, then I have a great favor that I can do for you. I have spoken with Firmin and Andre' recently and they know of the Phantom. They are bringing a search party together to hunt him down, since they know of all the things he has been doing. They don't want to lose money, and I for one don't blame them. Never mind that, though. If you help me, I will convince them that I know there is no Phantom and that it's all a silly myth. I know they will listen to me. However, if you do not do this for me, then I promise you that I will find the Phantom's hide out and that I will turn him in so that they can kill the monster that he is! Now, my dear friend, do we have a deal? Meet me in the dining room at 10:00 to go over this. Do not be late! Sincerely,

Miss Sherry

I couldn't believe what I had just read! I knew she was a low life of a woman, but to stoop this low! My breath was coming hard and short as I tried to control my anger. I have to meet her at 10:00. I guess if I don't go she would hunt me down until I have to talk to her. I glanced at my clock to see that it said 9:45. I quickly placed the letter on my vanity and got dressed. I tied my hair up on my head and looked at myself one last time in the mirror. I then opened the door and quickly locked it behind me.

I wish I didn't have to do this. Of course I'll have to agree with her little agreement. I don't want Erik to get hurt because of me. Of all the sneaky things to do to someone, this must be one of the worst! I wish in a way that Erik had killed Miss Sherry instead of Carlotta. At least Carlotta didn't try to blackmail me!

I reached the entrance to the dining room. I stood outside trying to think of what to say to her. I then took a deep breath, placed a fake smile on my face, and entered the room.

(Author's Note: Sorry it's a cliffy, but I just had to do it! I'm also sorry that it's took me so long again to update! I have had so many exams! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter! I'm thinking that there will only be several more chapters, and then you guys will be reading "The End"! Okay, please review! Love you lots!)