DISCLAIMER:I own no Phantom characters, only Angelica, Ri'chard the stable boy, and the LeJolie's. And other orignal characters I've used in my other fan fic.

Thanks to: PhantomLover2005 and everyone else who has read and reviewed.

Angelica allowed time to pass by before she would plan her search for the Phantom, so was not to give Madame Giry any cause to keep a close watch. She told Ri'chard that she was going to find him, but not about the conversation she had with her ballet mistress. He admired Angelica's bravery and determination, holding on to her every word, but he couldn't muster up the strength to tell her how he really felt. He wanted so badly to tell himself that she is only a close friend and nothing, more, but it was hopeless. He had to say something...Anything.

"Angelica?" Ri'chard beckoned.

"What?"

"I want to tell you something."
Angelica quirked an eyebrow and scooted closer to him.

"What is it? Is something wrong?"

"No, there's nothing wrong...I-I'm fine."

"Then what do you want to tell me." she said smirking.

He hesitated, but managed to sputter out his next words.

"I...There's...The Opera Populaire's new owners are coming by today!"

Ri'chard felt his insides twist and contort, as he spoke his sentence.

"That's what you wanted to tell me?" Angelica asked, looking confused.

"Yes! Any moment now we're going to know who bought the opera house."
Angelica sighed. "Probably some rich, pompous, windbag who just wants to add another play toy to his collection."

"Probably, heh."

"Well, we mustn't miss it then. Shall we?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

Ri'chard kept hitting himself on the forehead as he trailed behind Angelica on their way to the stage. 'Why couldn't I just tell her' he thought to himself, it wasn't that he didn't really care for her. 'No' he thought again, 'it's because it's too soon..I need to wait for the right moment'. "Yes."

"Who are you talking to?" Angelica chimed in.

"No one...Just, er, talking to myself."

She chuckled as he began to tinge a pale pink.

"Alright. We're here."

They stepped out into the crowded stage, full of ballet students, seamstresses, and the rest of the main opera staff, all chattering in unison.

Thunk.

Madame Meg Giry pounded her cane on the wood floor get everyone's attention.

"Everyone! Pay attention."

The crowd's chatter dissipated.

"Monsieur Reyer is now going to introduce the new owners of the opera house."

As she said, the old maestro, Reyer, stepped out on to the stage and cleared his throat. He turned his small, melon shaped head to the back door entrance, and held out his hand.

"May I introduce, Monsieur and Madame LeJolie, and their son, Gareth LeJolie. Welcome!"

The room burst with polite applause, which Ri'chard and Angelica mimicked. They both looked at the new family that now owned the opera house. The owner and his wife exchangedintroductions with the staff, while their son merely stood with his hands behind his back scanning the architecture of the building. He was very handsome indeed, and seemed to have a very odd sort of charm, which Angelica found quite appealing. She stared at the teenage boy for what seemed to be hours before she was nudged firmly by Ri'chard.

"Pompous enough for you?" he asked jokingly.

"Actually they aren't at all what I expected. Quite nice, actually."

Ri'chard laughed and smiled slightly thinking she was returning his joke, but his smile faded when he saw Gareth LeJolie, take a smiling glance at Angelica.

Well I'm glad that the chapter is up. I'm not always happy with my writing but, eh, it's fine. Hope to have the next installment up soon. Enjoy and please R&R:)