Disclaimer: I do not own the mention of twistedmind's You Are Not Alone, but I do own my copy! It's the best!

A/N: Yay! Thank you all for the reviews! I'm glad that many like this. I was hoping that some could relate to the character, we are all Phans after all. :grins: I will be trying to post two chapters every post unless I feel there's a chapter that can stand on its own and there are some like that. Erik won't be introduced for a while as the whole setting and characters need to be established first. As for the dark undertones, I have my own ideas that will make him dark without changing much of his personality. Special thanks to my beta, Halley, and don't forget to review!

Chapter One:

Getting Ready

"Amelia Brooke Sawyer! Get up now or you'll be late!"

"Argh," she groaned, rolling over to her side to check her clock-- 6:30. Great. Less than an hour to get ready.

Putting one foot on the floor, Emmy met fur and sighed. "Phantom," she mumbled as the large mutt wagged his tail happily. Stretching out over the black Labrador, she bent down to scratch his ear. He proceeded to lick her face, waking her up. Standing upright, Emmy stretched her arms to get the kinks out and then quickly put on her clothes she placed the night before.

First day of school. But it wasn't any first day; this would be her first day in high school, a freshman. Hard to believe…

"Cherry Hill High, home of the Swallows," Emmy murmured, smiling softly as she took out her curlers. Each little bounce produced by the released tendril caused her grin to broaden. Maybe it will finally be the way it's supposed to be, she thought with hope.

When the last was off, she brushed lightly so it wouldn't be too puffy. By the looks of it, it appeared the strands might actually stay in place. Good.

Emmy glanced in the mirror and smirked at her dog. "Well, what do you think boy?"

Her response was a little whine as Phantom trotted over and laid against her, wanting more attention. "Aww, that's my Phantom!" she giggled and patted his furry black head. The name suited him. Not because his fur was black as night, but on the left side of his face was a large patch of white hair. It was meant to be, Emmy always thought as she gave him a sloppy kiss on his head.

"Let's hope this year will be better," she told him and then looking up at her collection of none other—Phantom of the Opera. A few years ago she was able to convince her mother to redo it in a Phantom style. It was hard work, but in the end it paid off.

Spinning off the movie, Emmy painted her walls a deep ruby red with a rose border going across and then ending with a rose bouquet print wallpaper on the bottom. The carpet was changed to a light hue of red, her bed now a canopy with flowing ebony drapes over the bed and crimson bed sheets. The window was adorned with the matching drapes as well. Above on the ceiling was a light fixture designed as a miniature chandelier and on her nightstand, next to the bed, was a candelabra lamp on top of a rose designed doily.

Adding to the homage, she had a variety of Phantom snow globes and figurines on her nightstand, bookshelf, and vanity. She also owned the musical box with the monkey that played "Masquerade" near her bedside. Posters of the musical and movie were situated on the walls and door, plus two masks painted black and white were hung on the wall that were seen when you entered.

What one couldn't see were Emmy's shirts, soundtracks, and movies. She owned almost every version of the soundtrack including Spanish, also every movie based off the story: Lon Chaney, Claude Rains, Robert Englund, Gerard Butler, and even Dario Argento's. Among her books, were also copies of Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, and of course the recently published Laura Binkley's You Are Not Alone. It was a Phan's paradise to wake up each morning surrounded by the Phantom.

Her dog, Phantom, was a Christmas present from her family several years ago. Emmy had everything she could ever dream of the Phantom and loved every single piece.

She spun around, making her skirt fly at her ankles, pretending she was the soprano on stage. She may have never received those voice lessons, but it didn't stop her from taking choir at any chance she got. This year she was in Junior Varsity and later she would have to audition to get into Varsity, her goal while in high school.

"Amelia, for God's sakes are you up?" Her mother called through the door.

"Yes!" Emmy smoothed out her outfit and winked at Phantom, before heading off for a quick bite.

"Morning!" Emmy greeted as she kissed her father on the cheek and sat down, waiting for breakfast.

Will Sawyer set his paper down and smiled. "Morning Princess. Why, don't you look beautiful today. Are you nervous?"

"A little," Emmy admitted as her mother placed a bowl of cereal in front of her. "Thanks." She picked up the spoon and started eating.

Gloria shook her head and laughed. "Someone is perky. I hope your brother is too when he wakes."

"I doubt it," Emmy replied in between mouthfuls of Cheerios.

"Do you want me to drive you to school?" Will asked.

"No thanks Dad. It's nice out so I'm going to walk," she answered, before gulping down her juice. "I plan on meeting Jenna at the catwalk."

"Well, you better hurry up," Gloria warned, pointing to the stove's clock.

Emmy nodded. "Gotcha. See ya guys later!" She stood up, grabbed her backpack, and was gone before you could say; Keep your hand at the level of your eyes.

TBC…