Author's Note: God….how long has it been? Two months? I've been completely brain dead about this story, but it is back up hopefully. I never realized how hard it was to update a lot of stories! Anyway, enough of my rambling!

JUST A ROSE

Jacqueline's POV

Jacqueline slowly got out of bed and walked over to greet whoever was so urgently rapping behind the door. As the door swung open, Madame Giry was revealed.

"Madame, Bonjour! What are you doing here?" Jacqueline politely asked.

"Bonjour Jacqueline! I have come to pick up Meg, it seems relatives of our have arrived and they have asked for us to pick them up at the docks." Mme. Giry explained.

"Oh of course!" Jacqueline laughed. She ran over and shook Meg awake, explaining the situation to her. Meg quickly got dressed and waved goodbye to Jacqueline as her and her mother headed out the door. Jacqueline got dressed too and then glanced over at the letter that had her tossing and turning all night. She quickly re-read it and sat down to write her response.

Dear fantôme,

Do not worry about interrupting anything, I was happy to find your letter sitting there. I admit it was a little tough lying to Meg, but you never suggested I should. I am honored to be that refreshing face for you and you are a genius, Monsieur! I am though thoroughly confused about the genius in the shadows. Are you implying that it was in fact you laughing with me at those silly new singers? Oh please tell me, it would lift a huge worry off my shoulders. Thank you again for responding…

Sincerely,

Jacqueline

Jacqueline sealed her letter and left it in the usual spot. Then, she figured now that Mme. Giry had stepped out, they must need a lot of help. So she went to help with costumes and making sure everyone kept their heads up. She managed to survive the practice without help from Mme. Giry or words of advice from Meg and she had to admit, it was hard. She headed back to room, tired and hungry. Everything seemed to drift away though when she walked into her dressing room to find a new letter and a rose waiting for her. She hurried over and went to open the letter. Before she every got a chance, there was a knocking at her door.

"Hello?" she asked as she opened the large wood door. Standing there was Mme. Giry, Meg, a older woman, and a handsome man.

"Ah Jacqueline, good you are here!" Mme. Giry smiled, "This is Marie De Maris, my sister and her son, Andre De Maris."

"Enchanté Madame and Monsieur!" she said, politely shaking Mme. De Maris and M. De Maris's hands. The next few minutes were spent talking with everyone.

After a little, both Mme. Giry and De Maris left to talk, leaving Meg, Andre, and Jacqueline.

"Well, what can we show him in the Opera House, Meg?" Jacqueline questioned.

"Umm, we could show him the stage and maybe the balconies if Mama allows it!" Meg cheerfully replied.

"I guess…" I said drifting off. What if the Phantom was there? What if he tried to do something to one of them, I would never forgive myself. What if he tries to do something to me? Her thoughts were cut off by Meg's voice.

"Oh of course we should! What will happen?" and she continued as if she could read Jacqueline's mind, "The Phantom will get us?" she laughed and Jacqueline nervously chuckled, glancing cautiously around. And there was that feeling again….

Erik's POV

Now, Eric knew it was rude to spy, but they had been rude to bring him up. Actually, it had been little Meg. Now, the last bit of information he needed was the name of that young man. He was angry that he seemed smitten with his worker. He decided that following him would of course be best. They wandered through the theater stopping at certain points so they could tell him all about the Opera House.

They soon arrived at the actually stage and they started to walk on it. Meg danced gracefully around for a little while Jacqueline and the boy clapped politely. I knew that Meg could do better, they were being polite. The boy seemed smarter then he looked for he sensed an uneasiness and stared at the shadows where I was concealed. Jacqueline glanced up to and even though he assured her it was nothing a shiver still crept down her spine. So, he was smart , but not as smart as Jacqueline. She truly felt the opera house, every creak, every whisper she heard. That is what seems to be so entrancing about her. She knows everything, but seems to stay quiet and small. She could easily run this opera house with her father, but instead she stays in the background watching….observing. The man seemed to keep looking at Jacqueline, a light in his eye. I hated it, so my hand may have slipped and a light fell, just narrowly missing the young boy's head.