Chapter 3

To Serena's great dismay, she never had any more chance to see Erik for several weeks. The practice intensified now that the premiere drew closer and Madame Giry hardly let them out of her sight. She and the vocals teacher, Madame Valet, made them practice harder than ever before and none of them got enough sleep to manage anything else besides dinner and then go straight to bed after practice.

It was obvious that Carlotta was becoming nervous as well. Her fits and threats to quit increased to almost ten times as many each day and Serena couldn't help but silently wish Erik had disposed of her when he'd had the chance three years ago during his "death spree". Immediately, she regretted her thoughts. Sure Carlotta was a living Hell and Serena wouldn't mind very much if she happened to get sick or injured soon that the rest of them could relax, but she wouldn't want her dead. And she especially didn't want Erik to be responsible for it.

She was both surprised and happy that her plan to befriend Erik had gone so well. She had almost expected him to either laugh in her face or threaten to kill her if she so much as mentioned it ever again. Instead, he had accepted without a second thought. Maybe he was just as lonely as she had imagined. Though, it would have been nice to be able to see him much more often.

It was on the morning of the big day, the day the play had premiere that everything began to go wrong. She'd heard of the saying that if something didn't go wrong on the last rehearsal, the show would be a disaster, but this was ridiculous. Two of the stagehands were late for practice and as a result, the other two had to take care of their duties as well as their own and Carlotta soon found herself underneath a fake tree that someone knocked down by mistake. Serena's thoughts instantly flew to Erik and she dreaded he had at last made his opinion of the Diva's singing voice know. To her relief, one of the stagehands stepped forward and took the blame for the accident and Carlotta had to be restrained from jumping at him. Then one of the ballet dancers twisted her ankle so badly she would not be able to participate on the premiere and she cried bitterly at the side. An hour later, the two missing stagehands came dashing through the doors apologizing again and again for their late arrival and rehearsal had to take a break yet again while the managers gave them a rating. And then Carlotta hit a wrong note – as if she didn't do that all the time – and momentarily lost her voice. Monsieur Reyer, the conductor, nearly cried when it was established that while Carlotta would be able to sing on the premiere, there was no way she would be able to perform her solo song "Remember".

"Is there anyone else who can sing well enough to substitute Carlotta on this song?" the managers asked worriedly. "One of the chorus girls perhaps?"

None of the other chorus girls said anything. Serena knew none of them liked to sing alone, but instead preferred to sing with others. If someone was to save the show, it had to be her. But to sing in front of all those people tonight…! Serena felt her stomach turn to knots. Nonetheless, she raised my hand.

"I could do it, Monsieur's."

"Ah, there we have it! Please then, mademoiselle, sing for us."

She took a step forward, her legs shaking and tried to calm her nerves. She desperately threw a pleading glace up towards the catwalk and for a moment, she saw Erik staring back at her. He nodded and her nervousness vanished in a heartbeat. If Erik was watching, everything was alright. She just had to imagine that this were like one of those times when she sang only for him.

The orchestra began to play and she took a deep breath.

Remember, I will still be here
As long as you hold me, in your memory

Remember, when your dreams have ended
Time can be transcended
Just remember me

I am the one star that keeps burning, so brightly,
It is the last light, to fade into the rising sun

I'm with you
Whenever you tell, my story
For I am all I've done

Remember, I will still be here
As long as you hold me, in your memory
Remember me

I am that one voice in the cold wind, that whispers
And if you listen, you'll hear me call across the sky

As long as I still can reach out, and touch you
Then I will never die

Remember, I'll never leave you
If you will only
Remember me

Remember, I will still be here
As long as you hold me
In your memory

Remember, when your dreams have ended
Time can be transcended
I live forever
Remember me

Remember me
Remember... me…

Everyone stared at her in amazement after she'd finished and for a moment it was quiet enough to hear a needle fall to the floor. Then everyone began to applaud and cheer and she felt herself blush. A smile formed on her lips and she knew that everything would go well on the premiere. She looked up to the catwalks again and smiled in thanks. Meg jumped up and hugged her and she used the distraction to ask Erik with gestures if he would be watching tonight as well. He nodded and then he was gone.

Serena closed her eyes in relief. If Erik was there, everything would be alright.

'Nervous' couldn't even begin to describe what Serena felt that night. She had been given a dressing room to get ready for her solo song and they had told her that she could keep it as her room for the time being. She stood in front of the mirror, shifting from foot to foot and chewing her lip. Why in God's name had she agreed to do this? She should have never said anything, just stared at the floor like the other chorus girls had been doing! She should have pretended she didn't dare to sing in front of all those people out there! She would make a fool of herself, she knew she would!

She took another look at herself in the mirror. The deep blue dress shimmered like the night sky in the candle lights and would probably look even better on stage later. Her thick, slightly wavy, auburn colored hair had been piled in a mass of loose curls upon her head and some makeup had been applied to intensify her dark eyes. To tell the truth, she knew she had never looked better in her entire life. The problem was she wasn't going out there to be beautiful. She was going out there to sing and right now she doubted if she could get a single note right.

She shut her eyes, childishly wishing that everything would turn out to have been a horrible nightmare once she opened them. But then she felt his eyes upon her and she quickly looked up. She was still alone in the dressing room, but she knew he was nearby. She could feel his presence.

"Are you there, Erik?" She wondered out loud.

"I'm always here, Serena," his musical voice answered in a whisper.

"Oh, Erik, I don't know if I can do this! I'm so nervous I can't stand still! What if I mess up and make a complete fool of myself?"

"I believe in you," he said.

Serena opened her mouth to ask what he meant when Meg Giry burst through the door.

"Are you all right, Serena? I thought I heard you talking to someone."

"No, I'm fine. I was just… talking to myself. I have a habit for doing that whenever I'm nervous."

"You don't have to worry, Serena. You truly have the voice of an angel. I think you would even exceed Christine in that field."

"Don't exaggerate, Meg. Christine was the Prima Donna of the Opera Populaire. I could never do so well."

Meg shook her head and sighed.

"Of course you could. But never mind that now. The show begins in five minutes and we have to hurry to the stage. Come on!"

And so Meg dragged her out of the room before she had a chance to talk to Erik again. Serena cast one last look over her shoulder and thought she saw the mirror in her room move, but she couldn't tell for sure.

Albert de Martin had done well in his life. Ten years earlier, he had inherited his father's shipping business and given all his time and money to expand the firm. Some said his success was due to that the Lady Luck favored him, but Albert himself knew it was all about skill. And he sure had an eye for business. It would be a lie to say that his father had been a skilled business man. He had been more of a man to take each day as they came and never look ahead in particular. Albert, on the other hand, had come to realize that making business was similar to making war and that dishonest methods was more profitable than kind words and proper agreements.

But that was a part of his business that he rarely confessed to know about. That part of his business was handled by his right hand and close friend Pierre Morel, a man that didn't care one bit about laws and regulations. If someone was in the way of Monsieur de Martin's interest, Pierre would soon have taken care of that person.

Many would say that Albert de Martin was a gentleman and would never harm anyone, but that was far from the truth. Albert was a man who was used to getting what he wanted – no matter the cost.

And one thing that he really didn't want to do tonight was to attend the Opera. Unfortunately, many of his clients and the people he had to impress loved the Opera and so he was often forced to go even though he absolutely loathed La Carlotta's shrilly voice. How that woman became the Prima Donna of the Opera was above him. Clearly, the managers must be fools.

Nevertheless, Albert would never show his dislike openly. Tonight, as every other night, he was the true emblem of youth, wealth and power. He never wore anything but the latest fashion and his brown hair was always perfectly slicked back. His mouth smiled to everyone he met, but his black eyes remained serious.

He took his seat in one of the boxes and prepared for another night of headache. Sure enough, La Carlotta's voice soon filled the theatre. Was it just him or was it less piercing tonight? Lower and more controlled? Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

Albert had almost dozed off when the third act began and he hid a yawn behind his hand. And then sat up straight with surprise when instead of La Carlotta, the voice of an angel rang out inside the Opera.

The vision before him had a lovely dark blue dress and shiny brown and red hair. Her eyes sparkled like stars and a small secretive smile played at the corner of her lips while she sang her song. The whole Opera sat spellbound while she sang and not one remained seated when she was done. Everyone rose to their feet and applauded and whistled as a show of their appreciation. And Albert de Martin made his decision in a heartbeat. That woman would be his.

After the show, back in her dressing room, Serena couldn't help but laugh in pure joy and relief. Never had she imagined that everything would go so well. Afterwards, she couldn't understand what she had been so nervous about. As soon as she walked onto that stage, calm settled over her and her stage fright turned to excitement. This was exactly what she had envisioned before her that day when she stood on the stage with her eyes closed. She had heard the low murmur, the exclaims of delight when the curtains rose and the expectant silence before the orchestra began to play. She had seen all the well-dressed ladies and gentlemen leaning forward in their seats as if afraid they would miss the slightest word she sang. And she had heard and seen them all rise to their feet to applaud her and cheer for her. Everything had been like she had imagined that first day here at the Opera, right before she had met Erik for the first time. Speaking of which…

"Erik?" Serena asked. "Are you there?"

She waited a few seconds, but no one answered. That's weird. Up until now, he had always been around to answer her when she called. Had he been disappointed with her performance? Had she let him down in some way?

Starting to feel worried, Serena was just about to call out again when there was a knock on her door.

"Please enter," she said.

She had never before seen the gentleman who walked into the room, but had to admit that he was extremely handsome. His suit was irreproachable and his features fair, but his dark eyes – close to black – unnerved her. They had the look of a predator in hunt for fresh meat and she had a growing suspicion that she was the main dish. Serena silently reprimanded herself. It was ill-mannered to judge someone you didn't know.

"Mademoiselle, allow me to introduce myself," the gentleman said with an elegant bow.

His voice would probably have been considered pleasing to most people, but compared to Erik's it was harsh and feigned. This gentleman had the voice of butter, while Erik's was of honey and sunshine – rich and powerful. But why in God's name was she even comparing this man to Erik?

"I," the gentleman continued, "am Albert de Martin, a highly respected and wealthy businessman. I came here to confess that your voice captivated me and had me spellbound earlier when you sang. It was by far the most beautiful thing I have ever heard and the only thing capable of surpassing its splendor would be your looks, mademoiselle."

"Um, thank you," she replied, confused. Had he come only to compliment her?

"I beg of you, mademoiselle, to give me your name so that I know in what name to send roses after the next show. Surely, after a performance like that, you will be given the leading part next time."

There was something about Albert de Martin that gave her the creeps. She desperately wished he would go away and hoped he would do so if she told him her name.

"My name is Serena Cartier, monsieur. And though it's very kind of you, I do not think I will be given the leading part in the next show. After all, La Carlotta is the Prima Donna of the Opera Populaire."

"A title you deserve more than her," Albert whispered and stepped closer to her.

She took a step back and gave him an apologizing smile.

"I'm very sorry, monsieur, but the performance tonight has left me weary and I would very much like to go to bed."

"A pity, mademoiselle," he said while taking yet another step towards her. "I wanted to invite you out to supper."

"Ah, well, I'm sorry but I don't think I could manage that," she lied, her mind screaming for him to back off. He was disturbingly close now and she feared he might try and kiss her if she didn't get rid of him soon.

"A pity, as I said, but perhaps another time then?" He asked, his charming smile vanishing to be replaced with a scowl.

"Yes, perhaps," she said and ducked under his arm to take her nightgown out of the closet.

When he made no move to leave, she raised her eyebrow in question.

"Do you intend to stay and watch while I change?"

He quickly straightened and his feigned smile returned.

"No, of course not, I'm sorry. Until next time then, mademoiselle Cartier."

She nodded and he left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind him, she sank down on her bed with a sigh. She couldn't understand why he unnerved her and scared her so but she did know that she wished never to see him again. Something about him was not right and she had no plans to stick around and discover what it was.

"What would you have done if he had wanted to stay and watch?" Erik's voice whispered to her in the silent dressing room.

"So now you feel fit to appear, do you?" She replied tiredly.

"I have been here all the time since you returned."

She got on to her feet, her eyes hurt.

"Then why did you not answer when I called for you? I thought you were disappointed with my performance tonight!"

His low chuckle danced off the wall and against her will she felt her spirits lift immediately. What was it about him that always got her into a good mood?

"I heard him coming and couldn't very well tell you of my presence in case he would hear. But you didn't answer my question. What would you have done if he had stayed?"

"Thrown him out, of course. There's something about him that frightens me. Maybe it's those eyes… Never mind. In any case, you didn't tell me if I did well tonight or not."

She could almost hear the smile in his voice when he replied.

"You could never do badly, Serena. Your voice was, like always, perfect."

She smiled in thanks and studied the room carefully.

"Where are you?" She asked.

"Right here."

"I can't see you. Please, let me see you." On an impulse she added: "Take me with you."

Silence filled the room for the longest time. She knew he had heard her and she knew exactly what she asked of him. The last person he had willingly showed his home to had to be Christine and he must be thinking about her at this very moment. And at the same time she knew he had to move on and find his way back to life. If this woman had been so quick to walk away from him, she could be nothing to mourn in Serena's eyes. Though, she would of course never be so stupid as to tell him that.

"What did you ask of me?" He said at long last.

"I asked you to take me with you. Show me the part of the Opera Populaire that I never see. Show me where you live."

Slowly, the full-length mirror on the wall before her slid to the side and revealed Erik standing behind it. His eyes met her in what felt like an eternity.

"No one would be so stupid as to follow me down to my home. No one would willingly surrender their safety into the hands of the Phantom of the Opera," he said, as if trying to warn her.

"I'm your friend, Erik. I trust you without a doubt in my heart. I would gladly put my safety into your hands any day of the week."

For a moment, she could have sworn she saw tears in his eyes but then he smiled that mysterious smile that always had her so captivated. He extended his hand towards her.

"I would be honored to have you as a guest in my house, Serena."

Without looking back, she placed her hand in his and let him lead her through the mirror, which gently slid back into place behind them as they vanished into the darkness.

A/N: Pretty exciting, huh? What'll happen down in Erik's lair? I promise not to do a "Christine" and rip his mask off the first opportunity Serena gets. Still think it was wrong of her to do that. That mask might be there for a reason, you know? Oh, and the song I used in this chapter was Remember by Josh Groban. I absolutely love his voice! Anyway, please R&R! Love you all!