Sorry for my prolonged absence. I plead insanity, and by insanity, I mean writer's block and Walking Dead. Anyways, shoutouts to goldengamergirl22, jackluis343, GosaJane, and all of my reviewers. Speaking of reviews, all would be greatly appreciated. Now, without further ado, the next chapter!

Chapter 13

"What on Earth is she wearing?"

This statement was what I woke up to the next morning. Groggily, I barely opened my eyes, only to see the ever-famous duo of Meg and Christine standing by my bed.

"I don't know, Meg. Look, she's waking up."

I raised my head up from the bed, trying to find my pillows. I looked all around the bed, then found them perfectly made to the left of me, I was laying sideways on the bed, like I had just collapsed on it…wait…

The lesson last night, the kiss on my hand, the Phangirl dance…passing out…oh boy, this is gonna be fun to explain…

I waved sleepily. "Morning, girls."

Meg cut right to the chase. "What are you wearing? We've never seen an outfit like that. And why are you wearing trousers?"

I put my hand on my head. "Whoa, Meg, too many questions this early in the morning. One at a time, please."

"What are you wearing?" she enunciated.

"Well, it's a funny story. You see…"

Madame Giry picked that exact same moment to walk into my room. "Girls, why are you still in here? You need to be getting-" she cut off as she took in what I was wearing. "What in the world-"

"I know what you're thinking, let me explain. Actually, I was about to explain to Meg and Christine." I gave a nervous laugh, stalling my explanation while try to find a suitable one other than 'I'm from the future'. "The thing is…well, um…"

"Any day, mademoiselle." Madame Giry said.

I let out a deep sigh. "Okay, you're probably going to think me mad, but it's the truth, I swear it. I…I'm-"

I was interrupted by a herd of people rushing down the hallway. Madame Giry looked out the door, then back at me. "You will have to explain later. For now, just get dressed and go to the auditorium. The managers are there, waiting for your answer. Girls, come along." She said as she strode out the door, Meg and Christine hot on her heels.

I flopped back on the bed, heaving a sigh of relief. Now I have about 12 hours before they put me in a nuthouse…

I walked into the auditorium, a certain three pairs of eyes following me to where the managers stood. "Monsieurs," I greeted them.

They turned to me with surprise in their eyes. "Ah, mademoiselle Mandy. Good morning." Andre exclaimed.

"I hope you have come to us with your answer to our proposition." Firmin said, cutting right to the chase.

"I have, actually. I've decided that I'll go ahead and do it. But I have a couple conditions."

"And they would be..?" asked Andre.

"I will only do one performance to see how the audience will like me. If they like me, I will continue to sing for you. But if they don't, then I will not do another performance. I will also be able to pick my own songs. I don't know much opera. I would feel more comfortable singing songs I am familiar with. Besides, you already said that you needed something fresh and new. I think this is about as new as you're gonna get." I stated, seriousness covering my face. They needed to know I meant business, and they picked up on it pretty quickly.

"Deal. Welcome to the Opera Populaire." Firmin said, gesturing to the stage. "Your practices will be scheduled by Madame Giry and our conductor, Monsieur Reyer. Now if you'll excuse us, we have a few things to take care of in the office."

"Thank you." I said as they turned and left. I had a sneaky feeling that one of those 'things' that they needed to take care of was something dealing with Erik.

Madame Giry walked up to me, a smile on her face. "I am happy to hear about your decision to join us, child. Welcome."

"Thank you, madame."

"Well, we should introduce you to Monsieur Reyer. Come along." She said, already walking towards the orchestra pit. I had to nearly run to catch up with her.

Once we reached the pit, I saw that Monsieur Reyer looked exactly like the man that portrayed him in the 2004 movie. What did Schumacher do? Go back in time and film the events as they happened? This is super creepy.

Madame Giry cleared her throat, getting Reyer's attention. "Monsieur, I would like to introduce you to-"

"Oh, I know who she is," he said, interrupting her. "You are the girl that the managers are raving about. It is a pleasure to meet you, mademoiselle." He then grabbed my hand and squeezed it in a gentle yet firm shake.

"An honor to meet you as well, monsieur." I replied, silently wondering why he shook my hand. So far, Erik and Jacques have been the only ones to kiss my hand, and Jacques only did it to show off. Hmm…

"So," Reyer said, effectively shaking me out of my musings. "We will be setting a time aside for you to rehearse on stage without anyone around but Madame Giry and myself. Then we will start adding people to be sort of a mock audience, cast and crew mostly. We want to keep your talent to ourselves for a little while before you blow the whole of Parisian society away. But, from what the managers have told me, it won't take long for you to get used to an audience. But you seem quite comfortable on the stage, from what I hear."

Wow, they really think that much of me? "Um, yeah. It just feels like a second home to me, I guess."

"If you don't mind my asking, where is your first home?" he asked me.

To be honest, I was quite stumped. Should I tell him the truth or wait until after I tell Madame Giry and the girls tonight? Either way, I should tell him something… "I'm sorry, but I don't really want to talk about it at this moment. Please understand-"

"Say no more, mademoiselle." He interrupted. "Feel free to talk about it whenever you want. Now, today, we have the stage all to ourselves, since all the cast and crew have the day off. So, if you please…"

He gestured to the stage, motioning for me to go up there. I nodded and walked that way. I thought it was sweet for him to offer an ear in case I needed to talk to someone. I just wasn't sure if I was ready to tell him everything…