Chapter Three – Return

School the next day had been a waste of time. Christine had walked around as if in a trance. In Math, she was asked a question, but she didn't reply. The reason? Her mind was still reeling from her trip back in time to 1870's Paris. She was also thinking about her mission. What was it? She still had no clue. She was definitely going back tonight. When she got home she made her excuses to Louisa, what with it being a Friday, Christine said she wanted an early night and probably a sleep in too.

"Good idea, what with all your exams coming up." Louisa had replied. With that done, Christine had again rushed dinner and headed straight to her room. She changed into her pajamas and put the necklace on. At first she had troubling thoughts. Was this Phantom dangerous? What did he want? Was he part of her mission? Christine lay down and began to trace the outline of the mask. Its silver coolness against her throat eased her mind and within seconds sleep claimed her.

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The Phantom paced his Lair. His new 'pupil' was indeed a pretty little thing, only a few years younger than himself. He had been watching her, as he always did when there was a new person. But he had been watching her dance and he could see that she was really a singer. She had put every emotion from the music into her steps and she had been listening carefully. He knew this girl's very soul was with the music. Much unlike her friend, the Phantom had noted. Meg was very much a dancer, like her mother. Every move was alive with every fibre of her body and being.

The Phantom had a talent for spotting a person's true potential. He himself put every emotion into his music, and for that his music was almost unearthly. He would be at today's rehearsals, of course. Dressed as always, in his finery. For one who was a ghost, or so it was said, he had a surprisingly good taste in clothes. Black tails and breeches, with a dark crimson cravat. As a final touch, a black cape, lined with white silk. It sat on his shoulders, with a wonderful wide collar. "We shall see who the new Soprano is" He said. And with a swish of his cape, he was gone.

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Christine woke silently. The room was empty,

"All gone for breakfast, probably..." Christine thought. She sat herself at one of the dressers and began to put her hair up in a knot. She began to sing the song she had heard the Chorus singing.

"Think of me,

Think of me fondly,

When we said goodbye...

Remember me,

Once in a while,

Please promise me you'll try...

When you find,

That once again you long,

To take your heart back

And be free -

If you ever find a moment,

Spare a thought for me..."

She stopped and turned around. Christine had seen all the company gathered in the Dormitory from her mirror.

"Where did you learn to sing like that?" Meg asked, her eyes bulging out of her head.

"I've never had a lesson, so I guess it's just natural talent..." Christine said shrugging and standing.

"I think we have found our new Soprano!" Announced Monsieur Andre,

"Mam'selle, you shall sing tomorrow night!" Cried Firmin, almost elated.

The ballet girls applauded and Christine was swept away in a cloud of make-up artists and costume designers. It took no time for her costume to be made. They simply adjusted La Carlotta's, they were a similar size. Carlotta would not be happy but then again, she was not here anymore. However, make-up took a while longer. Because of the fairness of her skin, it was hard to find theatrical make-up that didn't make her look like a drag queen. When she was finally ready, she was back on stage, fully made-up. Her mind whirled again, so much had happened in so little time. She barely knew where she was. Her hands trembled and she bit her lip a little.

Monsieur Reyer handed her a sheet of music with the words to the songs on. Christine went through them in her mind. At a sharp tap from the conductor, all was silent. Christine was handed a prop that was supposed to be a severed head. The conductor cued her in, and Christine opened her mouth and began to sing the opening number.

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The Phantom was in Box 5. He had had a special one way glass put in, which let him look out, but none else look in. As he gazed through this glass, he let himself bask in the emotion that was coming from this girl's mouth. His heart beat in perfect time with the deep throbbing of the orchestra.

'I was right, she sings like an angel...' He thought. He closed his eyes and let himself be taken away by the music. Then, it was all over and the Phantom opened his eyes. Meg was stood with the girl.

"That was wonderful Christine!" She was saying, smiling and leading her away.

"Christine," Repeated the Phantom, "Christine, is my Angel of Music..." He said. He stood suddenly and unlocked his Box. He left the Box, and locked it once more. Then, with a swish of his cape, he set off again towards his Lair.

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As soon as Christine had begun to sing, and all through the rehearsal, she had felt eyes on her. Not just those of the rest of the cast, but those of another, who was unknown and unseen to her. And yet, her mind hadn't been troubled by this. Christine felt sure these eyes belonged to her Angel.

When the rehearsals were over, Christine Futorated back soon after. She slept soundly, she was extremely tired. Being awake and at school for a day, then doing another day in a different time. Madame Giry had explained the days in Paris were opposite to her days and nights. Her nights were their days, and her days were Parisian nights. This posed a problem about the Gala she was going to sing in tomorrow. But Madame Giry told her she would sort it out. So Christine let all her thoughts empty. She welcomed the rest and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

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