Thank you, thank you, and thank you to my reviewers!!! * blows many kisses * I'm glad you're liking the story!! ew I dunno if I like the first part of this ch, but the E/C interaction is fun to write! It's quite a challenge to keep everyone in character. . .anyway R/R!!

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I woke up from the strangest dream. A beautiful voice drifted into my room and told me it was the Angel of Music. It was wonderful, and so very real. Papa told me so many stories about that Angel when I was a little girl. There was a time when I believed in them, but that time has passed. Things like that only happen in fairytales. Still, the dream was so crisp and clear. . .

I was lost in memories that whole day. I thought of the day I found my father staring at an old picture of my mother.

"Do you miss her, Papa?" my six-year-old self asked.

"Yes, very very much," he replied.

"Will you see her again? Will I?" I said as I climbed into my father's lap.

"Someday, in heaven, we will see her again."

"Are there angels in heaven?"

"Yes, your mother is an angel now. When I die, I will see her again, as well as other angels."

"You aren't going to die, Papa. I need you."

My father chuckled sadly at this, "Someday, child, I will die."

"And leave me all alone?" I felt tears collecting in my eyes.

"No. I will send you the Angel of Music and you will never be alone. I promise."

How could my well-meaning father know that those words would be with me forever? Since the day he died I've waited in vain for my angel. . . .but no more. The dream showed me I finally have to let go. No more hoping; no more hanging on to fairytales. A tiny voice in my head protested. /What if it wasn't a dream?/

Of course I hoped it had been real. There was only one way to know, really. If he came to me that night, I would believe fully and totally. I would give my soul to this angel. If he did not come, I would finally let this fantasy die.

That night I did not even pretend to go to sleep. I fidgeted anxiously in my room. I paced. I wrung my hands. Anyone watching me would have thought me quite insane.

Finally, oh finally, the silence of my room was broken!

"Good evening, Miss Daae."

I jumped at the voice. It's heavenly sound echoed in my ears and there is no way to describe the ecstasy I felt. He was real! My angel had come at last.

"Oh, Angel of Music, I was so sure I had dreamed you up!" I cried.

"No, you have not. Tonight we are to begin your voice lessons. Sing, my dear, sing any song you desire. I wish to learn exactly what I must teach you."

I blushed madly, "I'm afraid I may be a disappointment to you. You will realize you have the wrong room after only a note!"

"If you do not sing, I can not teach you. Perhaps I should find another, more willing, student."

I cannot explain the terror I felt at the thought of him leaving. I can only say that the fear washed over me in one complete, powerful wave that nearly caused my knees to give way underneath me. In panic, I opened my mouth and sang. I chose a short song, for even I could no longer bare the harsh void in my voice. When I was done, I closed my eyes and braced myself for the Angel's reply.

There was nothing. Silence closed in around me and I began to feel very claustrophobic. I had failed. I had failed the Angel, my father, my aunt, and myself. I felt all of my dreams slowly slip away. . .

"We have a great deal of work to do," Angel said suddenly. I could not believe my ears!

"Then--then you're still going to teach me?" I managed.

"I could not leave now, when I truly know how much help you need!"

I could have taken that as an insult, I suppose, but at that moment, those words were the most beautiful I had ever heard.