((Thank you White Rose Alchemist for the first comment . The last chapter was more like a prologue... hopefully things will get interesting soon. Please R&R.))

I can recollect clearly remaining ensconced at the foot of my bed for a good deal of time, staring at the rose in a sort of transfixed horror. My breathing was heavy as I attempted to rationally come up with an explanation for this outlandish occurrence. It was a joke. Just a bestial caper planned out by Rachelle. I was sure that as soon as I stumbled from my resting place and thrust myself at the door to allow my friend in, Chelsea jumped from a hiding place under the bed and placed the flower where it was clearly visible. I spontaneously kneeled down at the floor, peering under my bed, but there was no blond headed girl to beam back at me. Straightening myself, I lay down between the sheets, casting my eyes about from time to time as to make sure I had left no opaque crevice unseen. Perhaps if I merely stayed awake for a while I would catch Chelsea sneaking from some dark corner as she made her way to her dorm room, but I saw no such thing. Soon I could no longer fight off the warm temptation of slumber, and I relented to its hypnotic embrace.

I was aroused by Rachelle early the next morning, who was already fully dressed with all her school things composed atop her bed. She hummed a tune remissly as she seated herself in front of the dresser at the foot of the bed, applying mascara with fastidious care. All the while I couldn't help but notice that she seemed blissfully apathetic. Nothing in her behavior suggested that anything peculiar or whimsical in nature had occurred last night. From time to time she would make sure her faded green tee was bereft of any unseemly wrinkles, or brush a hand lightly over her ripped jeans. For one joyous moment I thought that perhaps I had dreamed the whole event, but as I glanced at my bed stand my heart sunk. The rose was in the same position it was when I fell asleep.

I was able to purge my mind of the rose for a good amount of time as I busied myself collecting my items for class and getting dressed. Once Chelsea had joined us in the dorm room, we set of for class. It was quiet unfortunate for me that our first period class was math. It was simplicity in its self, I needn't pay attention to the lesson. I could allow my mind to wander without even a second thought. Mr. Guaniano made sure of that.

I took my assigned seat, allowing my backpack to drop to the ground with a thud that was not muffled by the tiled floor in the least. About six more people filed into the classroom before the bell resonated forth and Mr. Guaniano shuffled to the head of the class. Even then I felt my mind drifting. 'My god, I wish Rach would have just found some other dorm to sleep in and not woke me." I thought bitterly. "I'll get her back... It had to be here... she must have did something..."

For the first half of class I could not abolish my thoughts of the rose... the phantom... and strangely, Mrs. Hewlett's forboding words the day before seemed to tie in with this all. I still was determined not to believe in the old legend. It was Adriane who had done this, and if she thought for one moment I wasn't going to get her back... I was snapped curtly from my day dream when a malevolent voice addressed me, "Hey Charday? Don't you know what happens to people who don't believe in the phantom?"

I whipped around to face the owner of the voice: a certain James Triston. James was an athlete, popular among the other students. He was the sort of person who could insult all the people in the school, and they would still consider It yet another one of his so called hilarious jokes. They all loved him, but how I loathed James! He had handsome features, and was only about an inch taller than I was myself. He had shockingly blue eyes that I was able to liken unto the sky on a clear day without any difficulties. Those eyes had captivated me from the moment I saw him. It was in that moment I hated him, though I could never determine the exact reason... it was something about him...

"It can't be anything good. I'll have to watch my back, I suppose." I retorted cooly, sneering across the desk.

"No, I'm being serious!" he exclaimed in mock horror, smoothing his blonde hair down. "I mean, Christine Daae never believed, and then there was-"

"Please, do you actually think you can frighten me into believing in this stupid Phantom?" I chuckled, shaking my head in a sort of amused disbelief. "I'm not quiet as gullible as you and all the other brainless oafs who think he's any more real than the easter bunny." I tossed my long, dark hair over my shoulder, meeting James' gaze steadily.

"Adriane, when will you learn that its just better to agree with me?"

James was probably correct for once. If I wouldn't have denied believing in the Phantom, perhaps this conversation might have come to a terminus much more quickly. It was far to late now. I had gotten caught up in the heat of the battle, and I refused to go down alone.

"Maybe because the last time I agreed with you I almost got myself killed."

"You're getting off subject. You never let me finish telling you what happens to the people who don't believe in the Phantom." he said, not bothering to apologize as he lost his grip on the pencil he had been swinging to and fro, and it his poor Rosalyn Edinburgh in the forehead.

"Fine, what happens to the people who don't believe in the Phantom?"

"You remember when they cast Christine as the Pageboy instead of Carlotta? You remember that guy who got hanged?"

"Yes." I snapped impatiently, directing my attention to the front of the class, for I had sensed Mr. Guaniano's gaze upon me. I had no intention of ignoring James however, and he seemed to realize this, for he pressed onwards.

"Well, he likes to keep the tradition going. The people who don't believe in him anymore... well, he just takes out that Punjab lasso, and-"

"I thought he only used the Punjab lasso when someone walk talking about him." I cut in. As soon as Mr. Guaniano's back was turned, I veered around to once again look upon the face of James. We hadn't always been enemies like this, and it was sort of unnerving to be treating him once again like an enemy, but now that I was locked in combat with my adversary...

"Well, yes... but he also hangs people who don't believe in him... if you're lucky maybe you can get him to fall in love with you." he made a swooning guesture. "I'm sure-" but he wasn't able to finish, for at that moment minuscule little Guaniano swept across the room and placed himself firmly between me and my opponent.

"A double detention should suffice then." he said in his heavy British accent, glomming down at the two of us. A strange dismay washed over me as I stole a glance at Chelsea, who's mouth was gaping open in a silent protest. "Mr. Triston, I would like you to meet me here at five o'clock sharp. Miss Charday, you are to go to Mrs. Wellmans office at six thirty. She has already opted to take in the detention-ies today... so far that list is consisted of you. She'll be absolutely delighted to hear that she wont be alone. Who knows, maybe you will only have to organize half of the library." he simpered in self satisfaction at the perturbed expression on my pale face as he strode back up to the front of the classroom, leaving me to sink down in my seat.

"Way to go James." Chelsea hissed from the other side of the nonchalant boy. "We were going to go the movies after eighth hour!" Up until that point I had forgotten about my prearranged plans. My distraught only increased as I groaned and hit my head to the desk.

"I had been looking forwards to that to!" I admitted. It was very rarely that we were able to leave the school without the thought of some impossible homework assignment looming over our heads. With Halloween in the nearby future, the teachers had finally decided that it was time for a well earned break. There would not be another opportunity like this one until Christmas break.

"Think of it this way, now you can spend some quality time with the Phantom." James replied as the bell rang. I couldn't help but notice that he was nimble in departing, for I am sure he didn't with to deal with me for the time being. Collecting my things, I slammed the provided math text book down on the desk in furry before following Chelsea from the classroom and into the hallway.

The walls, were by this point, covered in an abundance of orange and black decorations and notices for the up and coming Masquerade Dance. All around me, people were congregating in groups, wether it be just to discuss the dance, or perhaps hook up with someone they might have had their eyes on for a while. Rosalyn seemed to have forgotten about nearly being impaled in the head with a pencil, for she was chatting away animatedly with Vanessa Ramirez, Lana Spatola, and Erica Short. To my right, James had chose to mingle with a witty blonde by the name of Regina D'La Fuente and her three friends Nina, Tori, and Dylan. Seeing everybody else going about their business only proceeded to increase my bad mood.

By the time eighth period was over, I had successfully reduced two people to tears, shoved at least three people out of my way as I made my way out of the classroom, and I had probably earned myself a few weeks worth of slander, but it didn't matter to me. All I could think of was sulking in my dorm room for the period of time before my detention was planned. Rachelle would hear nothing of it, and she managed to lead me to the auditorium of the Fantome Populaire. Once upon a time expansive room had been the main stage of the Opera house. It remained unchanged, except for newly reappulstered seats. Many times this room had often lifted my spirits, but it could not help me now.

"But I wanted to go with you to the movies. All of you! I have to be the only chorus girl who wont be going!" I complained blatantly as I pulled myself up onto the stage and peered down at Rach. "I've been planning on going for the past week, and all because of James my plans are ruined! Oh, I wish the Phantom were real. Certainly he would get at James for talking about him."

Rachelle nodded sadly. "Yeah. We'll get him back, don't you worry."

For the next house and a half we talked pleasantly, until the point in which Rachelle was forced to leave me in order to get ready to withdraw from the school and trudge to the nearest movie theatures. I made my displeasure apparent as she left, scowling after her as she walked back around to the foyer. I didn't abscond, for I knew it would do me little good. In half an house I would have to leave in order to make it to my detention on time.

With Rachelle gone though, I could sing.

Pushing myself to my feet, I brushed my dark brown hair away from my eyes, turning my face upwards towards box five. "You liked Christine's voice, Phantom, maybe you'll enjoy mine." clearing my throat, I considered which song would be more appropriate for this occasion. My best friend had just abandoned my... perhaps...

"You were once my one companion.

You were all that mattered.

You were once a friend and father.

Then my life was shattered.

Wishing you were somehow here again."

I continued with the song, managing to hit every note, much to my delight. It wasn't all that great of an accomplishment. After all, I was quiet sure that all the Prima Donna's at our school could do better than I could myself. Never the less, I rushed to the edge of the stage, taking a opulent bow. I would make my exit, just as I would if I was made a Prima Donna. I would go around backstage. After all, it was closer to my dorm room.

As I whipped around, my smile began to fade. A rose with a black ribbon tied around the stem was laying there at center stage. I spun around 360 degrees, looking all around for the former owner of the rose. I saw no one. Without any deliberation, I lurched forwards and snatched up the rose, clutching it to my chest and breathing heavily, as if to calm myself. Surely Rachelle hadn't been stupid enough to ditch the movies in order to play another prank on me...

Fear gripped at my heart. An icy terror that I could only remember feeling one year back on the pier... Tucking the rose away in my backpack, I swiftly ran from the stage, not daring to look back as I made my way to Mrs. Wellmans.

It was five minutes before she allowed me to intrude upon her classroom. It was widely known that she was a strict teacher. It was apparent even by looking at her. Her forehead was creased with wrinkles from scowling down at her students. Her ginger colored hair was pulled up into a tight bun atop her head. She wore square rimmed spectacles that rested on the crook of her sharp nose. She had an aura of power about her. Yes, she was indeed strict, but there was a kind side to her as well. I think she sensed my distress, for upon entering she did not raise her voice and inform me that behavior such as mine would not be tolerated at such a prestigious school, and if I did not want to loose my scholarship, I had best behave. On the contrary, she instructed me to take a seat and complete whatever work I might have left.

"Really? You don't want me to rearrange the library?" I asked skeptically. Mrs. Wellman taught English, and she had an extensive library located at the back of the room. In fact, most of her walls was lined with books of all genres.

She only laughed, waving a hand about airily. "No, no, no, do not be silly. I think you've already suffered enough. I heard about that trip to the movies... and Mr. Triston. I do not blame you, therefor you do not have to so much as touch those books if you do not wish to."

And so for what seemed like a mirror hour I worked on an assignment that would not be due until after Halloween. Once it was complete, I showed it to Mrs. Wellman, who made her approval known with a brusque nodd and sent me on my way.

The whole building seemed strangely desolate. I could only suppose that more people had went to the movies than expected. I sighed as I walked into my dorm room, Collapsing on my bed. I massaged my forehead, muttering to myself, "This day could not get any worse." I then decided to change into my pajama's. I would not give Rachelle the pleasure of seeing my in such a state when she returned. This time I did put on the corset and white skirt that the school provided, for I had failed to wash my pajama's from the night before. I did not like feeling unclean before going to sleep.

Right as I was ready to fall asleep, the chandelier's lights were extinguished, and it seemed like the wind outside had picked up, although I knew my room was not near a window, not against a wall that lead to the outside world. I froze, not daring to take another step. I could not manage to get the words, 'Rachelle, this is not funny!' from my mouth

nor would it have done any good, for the voice that resonated from... well, I couldn't tell where it was coming from. It seemed to come from no where and everywhere at once. It engulfed me in its lolling, hypnotic sound... All I could tell was that it certainly did not come from Rachelle. It was a males voice, and it sounded far to beautiful to belong to anything on this earth. I could understand now why she had seemed to frightened when she awoke me claiming to have heard a voice singing the previous night.
And now it sang on, an almost commanding note in its tone. I had been unable to make out the first part of the song, for I had far to frightened, but now the words no longer got mixed inside my mind, and I was able to comprehend the meaning.
"Beautiful child you shall know me
See why in shadow I hide.
Look at your face in the mirror.
I am there inside."
As if in some strange dream, I pivoted around to face the mirror, me long hair lashing out around me as I did so. My face had drained of the little color it already had in my surprise. My vibrant green eyes were ample, yet out of my fear I felt a strange sense of comfort.
My heart began to race. Inside the mirror was a man. I no longer saw my reflection, but an elongated corridor lit by flickering candles. He stood silhouetted against this corridor, his arm outstretched towards me. I could not tear my eyes from him, no matter how hard I might try. Half his face was covered with a mask that seemed to mold to his face, yet it was smooth. His black hair had been slicked back, and I could see that his eyes were even more blue than James'. I hadn't thought such a feat possible.
His lips parted as he once again started to sing, but this time it was far more demanding.
"I am your angel of music
Come to me angel of music.
I am your angel of music.
Come to me angel of music."Almost unconsciously, I moved forwards. I realized in a sort of horror what I was doing, but I didn't wish to move back. I wished only to move to him... The man, whom I could now tell looked to be about sixteen, my very age, kept his arm extended, awaiting for my fingers to entwine with his. I reached out a hand, attempting to stop it from trembled. I managed to do so. My hand hovered over his for a moment before I allowed my fingers to close over his own gloved hand.
He did not waist any time in turning to lead me down the passageway. Every few seconds he would glance back over his shoulder at me, as if to make sure that I was still there. I could not have let go of his hand at that moment. I was in a sort of trance like stage. His singing... it had to be that which had done it.
We proceeded onwards, and it was not long before I managed somehow to snap back into reality. I let go of his hand, withdrawing in terror as I turned to run, but this cloaked and suited man caught my arm. I could not suppress a scream. "Let me go!" I said weakly, trying to pull away once more, but the teenager pulled me farther down the passage. I kept trying to pull away, eyes focused on the room from which I had just left. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get him to relinquish his grip on me. Soon the light of my dorm room began to fade and I found that I felt not only fear now, but anger... hate... dismay. With a mighty yank, I tried once more to free myself, but my attempts were in vain. The cloacked figure pulled me closer to him, and then I fell back into his arms. Darkness was all I could remember next.