Alright, after this chapter, I believe I need to slow down on updating this story. I'm not going to stop altogether, I just need to catch up on my writing because after this chapter, I have nothing! Also, referring back to a few reviews, I am sorry if I am moving too fast in this story. I try not to move too fast, but as my fellow writers know all too well, sometimes you just can't help it. Shoutouts go to Sissie131 and tazzledmuch. And now, chapter 8!

Chapter 8

The next thing I knew, I was with Meg and Christine in front of Madame Giry's door, the girls' incessant pounding rousing Madame Giry out of a peaceful sleep.

"Do you girls have any idea what time it is? Why in the world are you calling on me at this ungodly hour?" she demanded.

Meg and Christine began to talk over each other, both of them exclaiming that I should be hired on in the chorus.

"One at a time, girls." Madame Giry said, putting a hand to her head, trying to figure out what they were saying.

Meg went first. "Maman, Mandy sings like an angel."

I interrupted her right there. "No I don't! Trust me, I am nowhere near that good."

Christine waved her hand on dismiss. "Madame, she is amazing! You should talk to the managers about hiring her, at least for the chorus."

Madame Giry pinned me with a scrutinizing look. "Can you dance?"

I scoffed. "Yeah, I can dance when pigs fly."

All I got were confused looks. I sighed as I clarified. "No, I cannot dance."

Madame Giry sighed and closed her eyes. "I won't make any promises, Mandy, but I'll see what I can do. I'll talk to the managers in the morning. In the meantime, you girls go to sleep! I will not have you falling asleep during rehearsal tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." We echoed as she shut her door. When the latch clicked, they both turned on me and embraced me in bear hugs.

"Um, guys…can't…breathe…" I managed to squeak out.

They instantly retreated, both muttering their apologies. I laughed and suggested that we head on the bed. They agreed wholeheartedly, all of the excitement wearing them out. As we headed back to the dormitories, I could have sworn that I heard someone say Brava…brava… bravissima…

"Did I hear you earlier in the hall?" I asked a seemingly empty room once I entered and shut the door, locking it behind me.

"And what if you did?" came the reply from the mirror. I rolled my eyes.

"Oh, I was just wondering. Making sure that there wasn't another ghost haunting the opera house."

I felt a hand wrap around my wrist, pulling me to a warm body. "You and I both know that I am no ghost. I am merely a man, no more. So, if I may ask, what made you sing tonight with the ballet girls?"

I blushed. "I don't know, I just felt like singing. When I sing, I let my feelings out. It's my stress relief, and Lord knows I've been under a lot of it since I've came here."

As he released my wrist, he looked at me, a certain emotion in his eyes. "Well, if I may, you have an exquisite voice."

My face must have looked like a tomato at this point. "Thank you."

He chuckled that masculine chuckle of his. "There is no need to thank me, I merely state the truth. Another truth is that I can help you develop your voice. Your voice as it is right now is great, but with my tutoring, you will be perfect."

"Well, I don't know about it being perfect per say…" I trailed off, my brain kicking in. Hey, wait a second. I can't take voice lessons from him, Christine is supposed to be the only one to take lessons from him! Oh no, I knew being here would mess something up. How do I fix this? If I decline his lessons, he would think it was either because of his face or because I think him to be a monster. On the other hand, if I accept, then who knows what would happen? Me, I would know what would happen. I've read plenty of fanfictions, I know exactly what would happen! What to do…

My hesitance must have been a sign of rejection for Erik. "If you would prefer not to, I understand-"
"No! No, I would like to, but I don't know how I could go about this. I've already most likely messed up this timeline by just being here. I don't want to mess anything else up, and I'm afraid that if I accept these lessons, change will come."

He nodded in understanding. "Well the offer stands for whenever you would like to accept."

"Thank you. I promise that I will take at least one lesson from, whether in singing or organ playing or drawing or whatever. Maybe a lesson in the ways of 'phantoming'."

We both laughed, then Erik grew serious. "I will try my best to think of a subject to tutor you in. I think we both would benefit."

I looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

He shook his head in dismissal. "Another time, mon cherie. For now, though, I believe you need some rest. I will speak with you tomorrow."

As he said this, the most massive yawn decided to strike. "Yeah, I think my brain needs some shutdown time."

He took my hand in his and pressed his lips to the top of my hand. "Until tomorrow."

"Tomorrow. See you then." I said, blushing as he released my hand, backing up to the mirror. As he disappeared behind the mirror, I climbed under my covers and fell asleep fast, dreaming of music and phantoms.