A/N: On the account of the SuperBowl, I'm feeling gracious lately so here's another chapter! I'm glad you guys are enjoying this. More confusion continues! Thank you as always Halley for doing a marvelous job. Please don't forget to review! Thank you!

Chapter Thirteen:

Come to Me, Strange Angel

Emmy was well enough the next day to go to school, and she dreaded going to her first hour. That meant she would have to see Sarah and Trey. Usually, seeing the latter made her day, but now she wasn't sure what to expect. What if they confronted her about yesterday? How could she explain that Erik meant no harm?

Harm? Have you already forgotten about the lack of memory? Her conscience berated sarcastically.

There must be a logical explanation, she argued back. Maybe I am singing beyond my limit and it makes me susceptible to weakness of mind.

But you weren't singing when he came to you the first time, the voice rebuked and Emmy had no response.

Upon arriving, no one seemed to pay much attention to her. Emmy caught sight of Sarah, who was busy talking to some friends. If she was perturbed yesterday, then she was doing a good job covering her feelings up today.

Purposely, Emmy walked in her direction to get to her seat, hoping Sarah would react. Yet, the redhead ignored her only to nod a "hello" and that was it. She didn't seem to suppress any kind of anxiety of any kind. Sitting down, Emmy looked around for Trey. He was just sauntering in when she looked to the door.

He, too, seemed fine. He paused to greet some pals before heading in Emmy's direction.

Her heart became lodged in her throat, as Trey gazed right into her eyes, a genuine smile flitting across his visage. It could have been part of her imagination, but it appeared he was glad to see her.

A million thoughts raced through her mind over what to say, what to do, but one for certain, Emmy wanted to know how it felt for his lips to crush into her own in a true love's kiss…

….except it was Sarah who intercepted and knew the touch.

Don't fool yourself. You could never get a guy like Trey Michaels, she thought sadly.

Except Erik, the voice in the back of her mind whispered.

Emmy didn't want to explore that idea, and shook her head. She looked up in time to see Maggie quietly enter as the bell rang. The strawberry blonde regained some color in her cheeks and was dressed better than the first day of school. Yet, she was tired looking.

Maggie didn't turn to see Emmy and the latter thought, all for the best, which was sad to admit. Not once had Maggie spoke to her since the year started and if she looked at her, it was either a glare or remorse. Emmy still felt awful for what she said, but the damage was already done and she couldn't fix it. What excuse was there, except the Phantom made me do it? Even that sounded beyond lame to her. But she missed her dearest friend.

Staring at her best friend, Emmy felt tears gathering behind. There were rumors spilling that Maggie's parents tended to move again, this time out of state, possibly Florida. Her grades were falling slightly, not enough to fail, but it was enough for someone with the smarts of Margaret Walker. Subconsciously, Emmy believed it was her fault this was happening. Maggie was sweet but very sensitive and she crushed the girl's spirit. She could picture Maggie, begging her parents to move, and the thought of it made her sad.

You don't need her. You never did, the voice told her. It's her fault she's not faring well. She's not strong like you.

Emmy gulped and stood up for scales. She didn't put much effort into it like she usually did. Her favorite class was starting to become a drag in every possible meaning.

The forty-five minute class crawled at a snail's pace before long last the beeping of the bell signaled it was over.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Emmy grabbed her folder and went to return it in its proper space. Turning around, she ran smack-dabbed into Trey.

"S-sorry," she stammered, the air in her lungs vanishing.

"No damage," he joked good-naturedly and laughed. "Emmy, right? Sarah told me you're a friend of hers. So, uh, how do you feel? You were really white when we found you yesterday."

"F-f-feel?" Emmy stumbled, her cheeks flooding with embarrassment. "I-I'm f-fine. T-thank you."

He offered her a heart-stopping smile. "Good. You look better, that is, sorry," he finished sheepishly. "Sarah always tells me I say the wrong things when I don't mean too. Guess she's right, huh? I meant no offense. Well, I'll see you around then?" Trey looked like he had more to say but thought better of it.

Emmy nodded, not sure what to say. Trey Michaels was talking to her… Actually talking to her! But wait! Didn't he already yesterday? And then it hit her, he never said anything about her singing or Erik.

"Trey--!" she called but he was already out of earshot with Sarah on his arm. Disappointed and mad, Emmy mentally kicked herself for not speaking sooner. And of course she had to stutter like a mad hatter! How did that make her look to him?

Groaning, Emmy hit her forehead while moving towards the door. She didn't notice Maggie's suspicious expression.

xxXXxx

The rest of the day was like choir, slower than molasses on a sunny day. And Emmy dreaded the moment when everyone went to their respective homes and she stayed behind for her lesson. It was the first time that Emmy felt she was coming down with something. Maybe her Maestro would let her off this one time…

No he won't. He'll be angry and you don't want him to be angry. You're his little Angel. His songbird. Go… go be with him. He'll help take away these bad feelings.

That's what I'm afraid of, Emmy thought.

Swallowing her pride, Emmy, armed with a heavy backpack, trekked down to the auditorium. As always, the auditorium was dark save for the single beam of light where she stood on the stage.

Taking a deep breath, she set down the knapsack and hesitantly headed to the stage. Almighty Father, keep me safe, the prayer randomly popped in her head as she took her spot below the cold beam.

"I'm glad to see that you're well Amelia," Erik said without warning, startling her. "I was afraid you weren't up for the task, but here you are, lively and refreshed."

Oh my God, what am I doing! Her mind screamed, the air growing sinister. Keep appearances up. Keep it up!

"I-I'm h-happy t-to be b-back," Emmy replied, inwardly cursing herself for not being calm.

If he noticed, he didn't pay much attention. "Splendid. I pray our interruption won't happen again?"

She nodded; the manner in which he spoke shook her to the very core. As much as she would have to love to run out, Emmy kept her ground and what she hoped, her cool.

"It won't," she said, "I promise."

"Good," he purred, the baritone rumbling from deep within his throat. "Child, you seem rather tense today! You're not nervous, are you? Not of your Maestro?"

The chilliness only further ignited her fears, but Emmy kept them at bay. She had to avoid suspicion if he knew she wanted out. Take it slow and he might relent. At least, that was what she hoped for.

"Not at all Maestro," she answered firmly. "I'm excited."

"Excited? Of what?" he inquired.

Hearing a swish of his cape, Emmy knew he was behind her and stiffened. "F-for our lesson, of course. I look forward to our meetings."

"As do I," Erik exhaled; his hot breathe making the hairs on her neck stand. He was close. Too close…

Before she could move away, a pair of strong hands rested on her shoulders, kneading the uptight muscles. Any other time, Emmy would have found the affection a dream come true, but this was quickly turning into a nightmare she had to escape from.

Slowly, his soft breathing moved from her back to caress her ear. "Amelia," he crooned. "Relax, my dear. Or it won't do us any good. And you don't want that do you?"

What is he talking about 'us'? she shouted mentally.

She muttered a "no" and trembled.

"That's my girl," he leered. "Relax my Angel! Shh! Erik is here and he'll never leave you."

And everything went black.

TBC…