Wow…I mean, wow. I didn't think people liked this story so much. Okay, I've officially decided to keep going with this story. I just have one request. If you don't like the story then just don't read it. I don't need to hear all the bad stuff about my story. This story is just for fun. Okay, so many reviews I'll just say THANK YOU GUYS SOOOO MUCH! Okay, on with the next chapter. This will be the last one until either Tuesday or Wednesday. I say okay a lot, don't I?

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Chapter Nine: Birthday Surprises

Erik woke up Brianna carefully, making sure not to wake Tal.

"Brianna," Erik said barley above a whisper. Bri rolled over to face Erik and opened her eyes grudgingly.

"What time is it?" she asked groggily.

"Five thirty," Erik responded, handing her clothes to her.

"What? Five thirty! Go back to bed, Erik!" she whispered, rolling over again. She heard Erik give a deep sigh and smiled to herself, knowing she had won. Or did she? There was complete silence for a moment when…

"Eeek!" Brianna squealed. Suddenly, Brianna ended up on the floor.

"What in Gods name was that for?" Brianna shouted. Erik quickly covered her mouth with his hand, but removed it quickly when Bri licked it. He pulled a face and wiped his hand on a towel that was thrown carelessly onto the floor.

"Do you and your sister enjoy the taste of my hand?" he asked with a disgusted face.

"Yep! Now, why are you here?"

"I needed to wake you up for something."

"Did you have to do it by pulling me off of the bed!"

"You wouldn't see reason. Now, we have to go out shopping so get dressed and meet me at the boat." Brianna went to say something, but quickly decided against it when Erik gave her a warning glare. She shooed him out of the room and got dressed. Why in the world is he making me go shopping at five thirty in the morning?

"Why this early? Why shopping? He could've just woken Tal and take her with him. She'd be more than happy to, but nooooo. He had to choose me instead. Didn't he understand that I like to sleep in yet?" she said, walking out into the main room.

"So Tal wouldn't be up and suspect anything. We have to go buy presents for her. I chose you because you know what she enjoys and also it is her birthday and I wouldn't want her to see her presents until after dinner. And yes, I do know you like to sleep in but from now on I'm going to get you both up earlier. It is bad for your health to sleep all the time," Erik said, answering each of her questions in order. Brianna turned around to face him, surprised and irritated.

"Well, FYI! Normal people like to sleep in until a decent hour. And it is good for your health, Mr. Smarty Pants," she said, following Erik into the boat.

"I'm not like normal people, if you haven't noticed," Erik said coldly.

"Ugh, I didn't mean it like that. It's called…ugh…I don't even feel like explaining. It is way too early for me."

Erik and Brianna left the Opera House and went to multiple store searching for the perfect gift. They went into bakeries, dress shops, flower shops, and many others. Brianna bought her sister a beautiful dark blue dress and matching slippers. (Not the fuzzy ones. Like Cinderella's glass slipper.) Erik still hadn't found the right gift yet.

"Erik, it is already eight thirty. We have been out for three hours and you still haven't found Tal a gift yet! That is impossible! We've been in every store!" Brianna said, clearly annoyed.

"I know. I just want to find her the right gift," Erik said, deep in thought.

"She will love anything you give her."

"What is that suppose to mean?"

"Um…she loves anything that a close friend gives her," she said, trying to cover her slip up.

"Hmhmm. I'll be right back," he said, heading down the street and turning a corner. Brianna gave an exasperated sigh and sat down on a close by bench.

Erik returned a few moments later with a small bag.

"So, did you find something yet?" Brianna asked with hopeful eyes.

"Yes, I did. Are you ready to go?"

"I've been ready for the past two hours! Let's go, she's probably up by now!" Brianna said grabbing onto his sleeve and dragging him towards the Opera Populair.

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Talia woke up a little after seven thirty. She rolled over to wake her sister but was surprised to see the other side empty. 'What is she doing up so early? No one is able to get her out of bed early,' Tal thought. She shrugged it off and got out of bed. She went to her wardrobe and pulled out a pair of dark blue bell bottoms and a brown t-shirt. Tal brushed her tangled hair and pulled it back into a low pony tail. After she was done getting ready for the day, she went into the main room in search of Erik and Brianna. When she got there, the room was empty. She checked every other room in the lair. When she didn't see any sign of the two, she went back into the main room.

"Where could they be?" she said out loud.

Probably out shopping for food. I heard Erik say that we were running low.

Tal shrieked and turned glancing everywhere around the room. Her eyes fell on the RAAW Bag.

"What is it with people trying to give me heart attacks these days?" she said, clutching her heart. "How did you get in here anyways? You said that you weren't able to move."

I have no idea how I got here. I was in our room one minute and then POOF! I was in here just when you walked in.

"I see. That must've been the Authoresses doing.

Most likely.

"So, if they went out shopping, what should I do while they're out?"

Don't ask me.

"Like I would."

Hey! I actually have good ideas once in a while.

"Once in a while. I rest my case."

Don't you play the piano?

"Yeah, why?" she asked suspiciously.

Why don't you play Eriks organ?

"Do you think he would let me?" she asked interested in the bag's idea.

There's only one way to find out. Play some music and I will listen.

"Alright. Could I have my Moulin Rouge, Jekyll and Hyde, and Phantom of the Opera music books?"

Here you go!

"Thanks," Tal said, taking the music books and sat down at the organ. She started with Moulin Rouge Opener and went through every song in the book. Then she made her way to Phantom next. She went through the first few songs and stopped after she finished Music of the Night. She let out a sigh of grief and closed the book.

"I wish he felt the same way about me as I feel for him," she said, taking out her Jekyll and Hyde piano book. She looked at the old grandfather clock in the hallway. It read eight thirty.

Why don't you sing one of the songs? Maybe it will make you feel a little better.

"I don't see why not," she said, opening the book to a song that suited her feelings at that particular moment. She played the introduction and then came the words. Her beautiful alto voice filled the lair with a sweet sound.

I peer through windows,
Watch life go by,
Dream of tomorrow,
And wonder "why"?

The past is holding me,
Keeping life at bay,
I wander lost in yesterday,
Wanting to fly -
But scared to try.

But if someone like you
Found someone like me,
Then suddenly
Nothing would ever be the same!

My heart would take wing,
And I'd feel so alive -
If someone like you
Found me!

So many secrets
I've longed to share!
All I have needed
Is someone there,

To help me see a world
I've never seen before -
A love to open every door,
To set me free,
So I can soar!

If someone like you
Found someone like me,
Then suddenly
Nothing would ever be the same!

There'd be a new way to live,
A new life to love,
If someone like you
Found me!

Oh, if someone like you
Found someone like me,
Then suddenly
Nothing would ever be the same!

My heart would take wing,
And I'd feel so alive -
If someone like you
Loved me...
Loved me...
Loved me!...

She held the last note and letting it reverberate off the walls. The lair went silent a moment after and a single tear rolled down her cheek. There was a noise from behind her and she turned around and saw Brianna and Erik standing at the edge of the lake with their mouths hanging open.

"Did…did you hear me?" she asked nervously.

"That was…wonderful," Erik said, still dazed.

"Talia, I've never heard you sing like that before," Brianna said in shock. Talia's face turned a bright red and she turned back to the organ, gathering her books and standing up.

"I'm sorry Erik, I didn't know if I was allowed to use your organ or not," Tal said.

"It's quite alright. You can play it anytime you want. Why didn't you tell me you could sing and play?"

"Because you never asked," she stated matter of factly.

"Oh, right," Erik said, slightly embarrassed. Brianna came out of her shock and ran towards her sister and hugged her tightly.

"Happy birthday, Tal!" she said excitedly.

"What? Oh yeah, it is my birthday isn't it. I guess I forgot," Tal said, surprised at herself. "Thanks, but, could you let go of me now. I'm having a shortage of breath here."

"Oops, sorry," Bri said letting go of her sister.

"Happy birthday Talia," Erik said walking over and standing in front of the two sisters.

"Thanks."

"Oh, Talia?" Bri said.

"Yeah?"

"I got you a gift! Here, open it!" Brianna said handing the large package to her sister. Talia took the package and began to open it carefully. She reached in and pulled out a beautiful dark blue dress with a matching pair of shoes.

"Oh Brianna, it's beautiful. And you even got it in my favorite color. Thank you so much," she said, giving her sister a hug.

"We also got a cake, but that won't be until after dinner. Why don't we go and terrorize the managers and Carlotta until dinner time?"

"Sounds good to me. Will you going to join us, Erik?"

"Unfortunately, no. I have other plans to attend to today, I'm sorry."

"It's alright. We'll be back around dinner. See you then." Both girls got into the boat and rowed away.

Christine just entered her dressing room when Talia and Brianna came stumbling through the mirror. Christine turned around from shutting the door and gave a high shrill shriek at the sigh of two strangers coming through her mirror.

"Quiet, do you want us to get caught," Brianna hissed. Christine immediately shut her mouth.

"Oh my geez, it's Christine!" Tal squealed getting to her feet instantly.

"Apparently you already know who I am, but who, may I ask, are you two?" Christine asked.

"My name is Talia, and this is my younger sister, Brianna."

"Am I hallucinating or did you two just come through my mirror?" she asked puzzled.

"Uh, yeah, I guess we did," Brianna exclaimed.

"You two are aware that that is the way to the Phantom of the Opera's home?"

"Of course. We live with him," Brianna stated happily. Talia smacked her upside the head.

"Brianna, I don't think he wants anyone to know!" Talia hissed through clenched teeth.

"Woops, it slipped. Sorry," Brianna said, rubbing the back of her head. Christine cleared her throat and the two realized that they had forgotten about her presence.

"I take it you two aren't from around here by the way you're dressed?" Christine asked.

"You wouldn't believe us if we told you," Tal said.

"Do you two have jobs here in Paris?"

"No, we somehow ended up in Eriks' lair and have been there for the last month and a half. Do you remember the 'Devils Angels' from October?" Bri asked.

"Yes, I was there when they paraded on our rehearsal. They truly frightened us."

"Well, that was us."

"That was you two?" she asked astonished.

"Yeah, it was Halloween and we needed to do something scary," Tal stated.

"What's Halloween?" Christine asked.

"Never mind."

"Can you dance?" she asked suddenly.

"Why?" Bri asked.

"I think I can get you two jobs here at the Opera Populair if you'd like."

"Really? That would be great!" Tal said excitedly.

"How about you meet me here, in my room, in three days and I'll present you to Madame Giry. You could audition and maybe become part of the cast."

"Oh, that is wonderful. We have to go and tell Erik!" Brianna exclaimed.

"Erik? Is that his name?" Christine asked curiously.

"Yes, that is his name," Tal said, slapping her sister again. "We must be going. It was nice to finally meet you Christine. We will see you in three days then."

"It was a pleasure to meet you two as well. I'm looking forward to our next visit. Goodbye!" Christine said as Tal and Bri went through the mirror and closed it behind them.

They hopped into the gondola and headed back to the lair. When they hit shore, they went straight to their rooms.

"Brianna, this is wonderful! I can actually become an actress!"

"I know. This is the second best thing that's happened to us since we came here!"

"What would be the first?" Tal asked confused.

"Duh, that we finally met Erik and we get to live with him."

"Oh, right. She isn't as bad as we thought she was," Tal said.

"Who?"

"Christine. I think she is a kind girl. Maybe we could become friends?"

"Don't you remember what happened at the end of the movie?"

"I know, but she is really friendly and she is getting us jobs!"

"What kind of job?" came a deep voice. The girls shrieked and turned around to see a rather amused Phantom.

"Erik! How many times must I tell you about sneaking up on me? This is the second time today someone almost gave me a heart attack!" Tal shouted.

"I apologize."

"Christine is going to try and get us into the corps de ballet!" Brianna said excitedly.

"How do you know Mademoiselle Daae?" Erik asked suspiciously.

"Well, you see, when we came through the mirror, Christine entered her room and saw us. She knows that we are living with you and she is going to get us jobs while we are here," Tal said nervously.

"So, she knows that I have two insane teenagers living with me?"

"Yes…"

"Alright, I'm sure she wouldn't tell anyone. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes." With that said, he left the room.

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"Okay Talia, time for your cake!" Brianna said. Erik came out carrying a large two layered cake with dark blue frosting and dark purple roses.

"Oh my geez, it looks delicious! Thank you guys!" They all sat at the table and began to devour the cake. After finishing their cake, they cleaned the dishes and went their separate ways.

Brianna went to her bedroom and turned on the radio and picked up a good book. She nestled down into the covers and started her book when Erik passed by her door.

"So, when are you going to give her her gift?"

"Actually, I was going right now."

"Will you tell me what it is that you're going to give her?"

"No," he simply stated and went on his way.

Talia was in the main room, looking over some of her piano music, debating on which piece to play when Erik walked in. He silently crept up behind her when,

"I know you're behind me Erik," she said, not turning to look at him.

"What…how…but how did you know?"

"I don't know. You always seem to scare me at unsuspected times. Right now would be the perfect time, so I just know."

"Alright, well I was wondering if I could show you something." This got Tal's attention and she turned around and saw Erik staring at her hopefully.

"What is it that you want to show me?"

"Follow me," he said, walking towards the boat. They got in and Erik took her through a secret passage that led to a large staircase. The descended up the staircase until they came to a door. Erik covered Talia's eyes and opened the door and was met by a chilling breezed. He led her through the door and shut it behind him. They walked a little further before Erik uncovered her eyes. Talia gasped at what she saw. Snow covered every inch of Paris. She noticed that they were on top of the Opera House roof gazing across the city. Down below, the street lamps came on, illuminating the white blanket that covered the ground. Some people were walking the streets, making them look like little ants.

"Oh Erik, it's beautiful," Tal whispered as it started to snow. She turned around and saw Erik smiling at her. She returned the warm smile. Erik walked over to her and reached into his pocket, pulling out a red velvet box and handing it to her.

"What's this?" she asked looking at him confused.

"Open it," he said. Tal looked back at the box and slowly lifted it open. She gasped at what she saw. Inside the box was a gold chain that had a rose amulet on it. The rose petals had rubies inside and the stem had emeralds. It was absolutely breathtaking.

"Erik, is this…is this for me?" she asked, looking at him.

"Yes. Happy Birthday Talia." She ran to him and embraced him. He returned the gesture, pleased with himself.

"Would you like me to put it on for you?" he asked, pulling away.

"Would you?" He took the necklace and placed it on her neck.

"It looks beautiful on you," he said smiling.

"Thank you Erik," she whispered. They stood there for a moment, staring at one another with warm smiles until a chill ran through Talia's body. Erik noticed this and took her hand.

"Come on, it is getting cold. We should head back to the lair." They disappeared through the door hand in hand. What Erik didn't know was that Talia wasn't cold at all. In fact, she was entirely warm. The only reason she had a chill was because she was standing with Erik in the most romantic dream like area alone.

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So, what do you think? There was a little bit of fluff in here. The girls met Christine and I think I'll make all three become good friends. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Yes it did take three days, but it was worth it. The song that Talia sang was originally from the musical Jekyll and Hyde. It was my favorite song and I think it suited Talia and her feelings at that moment perfectly. Please review and tell me what you think. I'll try and update soon!

Yours truly,

WanderingChild24