5

Disclaimer: Oh come on! I told you once and I told you twice, hell, I told you thrice, I don't own the Phantom of the Opera!

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Ashley raised her eyebrow, what kind of question is that? "Yes, every one has heard of it."

"Everyone? How do they know? My haunting has reached beyond the Opera House?" Erik was shocked. He knew that all the ballet girls loved to spin tales, hell he encouraged them! But even after the disaster during Don Juan he did not think it would have traveled that fast. It only happened last night. Unless him being in the future was true. "Tell me, is this really the year 2005?"

"Yes. Aren't you taking this "Phantom of the Opera" thing way too far, I mean dressed as the Phantom, wearing the mask and acting like you have no idea where you are? Are you sure I missed you with my car? Maybe I did hit you….."

Erik interrupted her, "I am the Phantom of the Opera. How can I convince you that I'm not lying to you?"

Ashley thought for a minute, "Your mask."

Erik stepped back," M..m..my mask?' he stuttered.

"Take it off," she said.

He backed away from her a bit.

"You heard me. Take the mask off.," she repeated. "If you want me to believe you take it off. It's the only way. Believe me it wouldn't bother me, I seen it before, or versions like it."

"But... "Erik sighed and closed his eyes and slowly took off the mask, revealing something that reminded Ashley of pictures of people she'd seen on documentaries. It was bad but for some reason it didn't bother her. She also took this time to study his features .His hair is slicked back, every hair in place. He was wearing the same clothing: the black cloak, black pants and shoes, white tux shirt and black jacket. Erik opened his eyes and saw her still standing there, no horror or fear on her face. Ashley watch as a small change came to him, his one brown eye that was dark and empty. His other eye, the blue one that was hid somewhat under his mask however, had had a smaller glimmer. But now both were glittering with life and a purpose. His eyes had hope.

"You are not afraid? Why" He was confused. Erik placed the mask back on.

"Because there is nothing to be afraid of. I will not lie; it does looked bad, but Erik, here's the thing; it's only a face. No face is perfect. All faces really are, is masks themselves, you just happen to wear two." whoops! Now I made it seem like I believed him she thought.

Erik was staring at her with unparalleled interest. "Before you go on, which you will," he began, "I must have some answers. You believe me now?"

Ashley paused for a moment, "Yes."

"Good. Now, where am I?"

"You are in New York."

"The new world?"

"Yes, the United States of America. The year 2005."

Erik thought for a moment, and then asked, "How do people know about me, and how much do you know?"

Ashley looked at the clock; they had three hours before she had to go to the bar. "Come and sit down, this may take awhile." She led him over to the couch and they both set down. "Now it all began when a writer named Gaston Leroux, wrote a book called…" two hours latter, "…. And so you have been immortalized in song and story. Though if you want someone to blame, you should've yelled at your friend the Persian."

Erik sighed. "Of course, why couldn't Nadir just kept his mouth shut?"

She shrugged. "If you are interested I can tell you about the different incarnations of you that have popped up." He crossed his arms over his chest. "You have peaked my interest."

"Where shall I begin? Well… There are some motion pictures that were made and a lot of them portrayed you poorly. Lon Chaney was the best, even if he had to go by the book and made you look like a truly madman. But after the musical and this resent movie you have became… how could I say this? Loved."

Erik thought for a minute, "A musical? Do you know any of the songs?"

"Why yes I do, in fact the college I go to is putting the play on as a little end of the year thing. I was going to try out for it, but I'm not sure I should."

"Why?"

"I have my reasons." What she did not tell him was that her teacher had promised her the Christine part if she would sleep with him. She said no and he was now making it hard for her to get ready for the auditions.

"Will you sing some of the lines?" he was still interested. He was wondering if the songs were like his own.

"I am going to sing one or to tonight at the bar…." She looked up at the clock there was only a half hour left." Oh no, James and Alice are going to kill me! I have to go now!" Ashley jumped up and turned to Erik." You're welcome to come if you like, it is Sunday so it won't be really crowded."

"I think I will come." Erik said after a minute.

"Good, I have some of my brother's clothes, you can borrow them."

Erik looked down at his suit and back at her. Ashley laughed; "you'll look out of place if you go in a monkey suit."

"A monkey suit? And even so I think my mask will draw attention it's self."

"Probably so, but it maybe attention you'll like…" she grinned," or maybe not."

"Meaning?" was she laughing at him?

"Oh don't worry Erik; I'll keep you safe from the sea of raging hormones." She enjoyed his look of confusion.

She was laughing at him!