A/N: Thank you all so much for your support and interest in this new story - I hope you enjoy it! I own nothing but the concept and OCs (ALW and Kelly Clarkson belong to themselves, and "Phantom of the Opera" belongs to Leroux/ALW. Enjoy!

Chapter Two – Haunted by the Past

Paris, France

February 1, 2015

"Are we there yet?!"

Ben chewed his bottom lip in frustration as his son asked the same question for the millionth time that day. "Riles, we just got off the plane and we're driving there now. I kinda have to follow the speed limit."

"But this has been taking forever!" the boy whined, leaning back in his seat.

"Take a nap," Rose suggested, to which he made a face, causing her to laugh.

Melody held back a sigh, sticking her earphones into place before selecting a Kelly Clarkson album and closing her eyes, turning her head away from her brother as he drove on, talking to his son and little sister, clueless as to the turmoil his middle sister felt as memories and worries clouded her mind…

She stepped onto the stage, butterflies in her stomach, concern filling her as she felt her throat suddenly go dry. Just what was in that water they had brought in? It was supposed to be helping, not making her feel worse…

The judges announces her name and piece, asking her to proceed. Opening her mouth, she took in a breath…and choked. She coughed harshly, her hand reaching for her neck as she felt her skin go red, feeling miserably sick as she heard the audience murmur in disapproval or snicker at her failure. What was happening?! Even the judges were sending her dirty looks or holding back laughs.

"I can step in for her."

Panic overtook her as her rival stepped forth, sneering at her as she took center stage and pushed her aside lightly. Dolores Casales smiled beautifully at the crowd, earning cheers of approval and adoration, taking charge and singing loudly at the top of her lungs, as though to drown out anything else that made any sound…that was when it hit her. Dolores had many connections…her father must have paid the judges off…many of these people were friends or fans of hers, now motioning for others who were unaware of the situation to side with this newcomer.

Slowly, Melody slunk away, shame filling her being and making her want to disappear forever…but the final blow came when Kevin stepped forth, gave Dolores a large bouquet, and kissed her before the crowds, earning hoots and cheers.

"Mel!" she heard Ben cry, wrapping his arms around her as she fell to her knees, tears flowing down her face. "I'll kill that jerk! Mel…Mel, listen to me, don't cry…it's not worth it…Mel…?"

"Mel?"

"Huh?" she blinked, rubbing her eyes as she snapped out of her nightmare, feeling sick to her stomach again.

"We're here," Ben said, smiling as he gazed upon the beautiful structure. Parking the car, he unbuckled his seatbelt as he called out to the others, "Ok, let's grab our stuff."

"Finally!" Riley exclaimed, his hands moving rapidly to remove his seatbelt. "Dad, I'm starving! Can we eat?"

"Not until we move all our junk from the car, Riles," his father yawned, starting to feel the drowsiness from the day's journey. "I'm sure there's a bistro around here somewhere, though…"

Rose slipped out of the car lightly, a beautiful smile gracing her face as she glanced up at the beautiful old home. Ben had told them that the Chevalier family owned this home since the mid-1940s, but originally it came from an old and wealthy family line of Comtes. The home was two stories high, with plenty of French windows, and even a few balconies set upon the second floor. On either side of the door were two unique crests, signifying the union of two families. The entire home had recently been painted a soft beige color, looking inviting as the sun began to set in the sky. "Isn't this amazing, Melody?!"

"Yeah, sure is…" Melody took a moment to gawk at the old house, a vision flashing in her mind of a time long ago. Shaking her head clear of those odd thoughts, she hurried to help her family grab their luggage from the back.

"Mel, get the door, won't you?" grunted Ben as he pulled out one of the heavier loads. "The key's in my pocket."

The girl obliged, tugging the keychain from his back pocket before grabbing one of her bags and heading for door. Slipping the key into place, she snapped the lock and turned the knob, the door yielding under her touch as she took a step into the threshold. Taking a deep breath, she smelled lemon cleaner and lilacs as she followed her nose into the kitchen. There, on the pristine counter, stood a vase full of lilacs and an elegant envelope with fancy script scrawled across the paper. Cocking her head, she reached for the item when she heard Ben shout in agitation.

"Fudge!" Ben growled from the front door, fighting to hold back what he really wanted to say.

"Are you ok?!" Rose gasped.

"Just stubbed my foot, no biggie," he grimaced.

"Careful, Dad," Riley said carelessly, tossing his bags on the floor before running over to Melody. "What's that, Aunt Mel?"

"I don't know," she answered, grasping the slip. Setting her own bag down, she headed back to meet the others. "Ben, look at this."

Tossing the heavy cases aside, Ben blew his hair out of his eyes and took the paper, tearing it open as his brows furrowed. Tugging the note out, he read through it quickly, a light smile growing on his lips before handing the note back. "It's from Erik and his family. Just a welcome note."

Taking the item back, she cocked her head and read the slip aloud as her brother got back to work tugging their wares inside. "Dearest Friends, We hope your trip went well – welcome to the de Chagny estate, consider it your 'home away from home'. We are so pleased to have you here and we hope you'll join us tomorrow at the Garnier for a grand tour and lunch before get to work. If there is anything you require, please let us know. Until tomorrow…the Chevalier Family."

"Do you think they've got TVs set in here, Dad? Or Wi-Fi?" Riley asked, ignoring the letter altogether while Rose came to Melody's side and read the slip for herself. He tugged his soccer ball out of his bag and began to bump it upon his knees when his father snatched it as it flew into the air.

"Ah-ah! Remember the hotel in London?" frowned Ben, earning a sheepish grin from his son. "I'm sure they've got everything, Riley, but right now, we need to get all these suitcases inside and in the proper rooms. I'll keep at it – why don't you all take a look around and claim your space? There should be one room available for each of us."

The trio nodded and split off, opening countless doors and hurrying up a flight of stairs just to see their new home. Riley gave a cheer as he found a blue room with all the trimmings he had hoped for, plopping onto the bed and snatching the remote. "Cool!"

The two girls poked their heads into each room, sticking close together as they explored. "This place is amazing," breathed Melody, a strange sensation washing over her.

"Isn't it funny how this is called the 'de Chagny estate'?" grinned Rose. "Just like-"

"'The Phantom of the Opera' character," Melody nodded. "Yeah…that is weird." She continued looking around until she heard a delighted gasp from her little sister.

"Melody! Look at this room!" Rose cried. It was the epitome of femininity, with soft cream-colored walls, lace curtains, antique-styled furniture and a canopied bed. "Oh, I love it! Could I take this room? Please-!"

"Hey, I'm not the room-police, you can take what you like," Melody winked, kissing her sister's cheek as she embraced her. "It's all yours."

"Oh!" she beamed, taking the place in while her sister left. "It's perfect."

Melody almost wished she had found that room first – despite acting like she didn't care, she loved old-fashioned things, and that room was her childhood fantasy come to life. Still, she wasn't about to take away her sister's happiness. So it was that she continued down the hall to the room next door…

Pushing the door open, she stepped inside, amazed at the layout. The sand colored walls made her feel as though she was someplace warm and safe, the polished furniture simple, and yet perfect. The bed was not canopied, but it was delicate and beautiful, with intricate designs carved onto the wooden frames and an inviting soft pink comforter calling to her. Standing across from the bed was a beautiful set of French doors, displaying the quaint street below. Walking over to it, she placed her hand upon the frame.

A set of golden, malicious eyes glared at the young, blonde man, reaching for his revolver as he stared, petrified, at the strange figure. "Erik, is that you?! Man, genius, or ghost, is it you?!"

Melody pulled away, gasping in shock as she gripped her hand. "Wha…what the hell?!" she whispered, biting her lip as she dared to reach out once more. A breath of relief escaped her as she neither felt nor saw anything out of the ordinary. "Creepy…"

"Hey! Lazy-bums! Get your bags and start unpacking!" Ben's bellow rang through the house, earning her attention at once. "I'm heading out to get some dinner – I'll be back soon!"

"Alright!" Riley shouted, running down the hall and back to the staircase. "C'mon Aunt Mel, Auntie Rose!"

"We're coming!" Rose laughed, hurrying after the boy. She came to a halt as she saw her sister staring at the windows, gripping her hand as she stared in confusion. "Mel? Are you coming?"

"Huh?" Her head turned slightly to glance at Rose before she nodded. "Yeah…yeah, I'll be there in a little bit." Frowning at the frame, Melody replayed the scene in her head before walking away, following Rose the way they had come. "What just happened…?"

~OG~

"I can't wait for you to meet them," Ben gushed at dinner as they munched on their sandwiches and éclairs. "Erik's incredible – he's got this uncanny ability to pick out talent and little details. Anna – his mother, that's Madame Chevalier to the rest of you – she's a sweet heart, reminds me a lot of Mom…and then Monique-"

"Somebody's got a cruuush," Riley sang, earning a jab from his father in the ribs. "HEY!"

"Mind your manners and respect your father," Ben scolded him, though his blush didn't go unnoticed.

"Hmm, so Monique Chevalier, she runs the Opera House with her brother, then?" Melody smirked, resting her cheek against her fist.

"It's very nice of them to give us a few days to get settled in," Rose noted. "But I can't wait to start lessons!"

"You're going to love it, I promise!" Ben grinned, kissing his little sister on the forehead. He glanced to his other sister, noticing how she chewed quietly, looking off at the stove. "Mel, you are going to at least try with Erik, aren't you? And the auditions-?"

"Whatever," she shrugged, rising from the table and moving to the sink.

"Melody-" Ben pleaded.

"What do you want me to say, Ben?" she snapped, glaring at him over her shoulder. "'Of course I'll do it. I'm just going to push aside what happened and move on, it's not like I'm still embarrassed or hurt or anything by what happened'-"

"That was four years ago, Mel, and they were…jerks," he insisted, stopping himself as he realized he couldn't say the word he had in mind due to his son's presence. "It'll be different. You still practice, after all-"

"I practiced with Professor Collins because I've known him since I was ten. I was comfortable with him and he never forced me to perform in public after that night-"

"You need to be out of your comfort zone, though," he said stubbornly. "At least try-"

"Fine, I'll try. And after I try, I'm going to focus on taking photos like I was supposed to originally. I'm photographer, Ben. Those singer-dream-days are over." Turning on her heel, she stalked off up the stairs and into her room, shutting the door and locking it. Falling onto her bed, she grabbed the pillow and released a muffled scream of frustration as she clenched her hands, her eyes pricking with hot tears. "Go away!" she shouted into the pillow upon hearing a soft knock at the door.

"Melody, can I come in?"

Heaving a sigh, she arose from the bed, quickly wiping her face before unlocking the door and letting her sister in. "Hey."

"Hey," she answered quietly, letting Melody shut the door after her before they moved and sat on the bed. "I'm sorry, Mel-"

"Don't you go apologizing for Ben," she sniffled, frowning at the girl. "You're not the one trying to force me to do something I'm against."

"I know, but…maybe if I had refused to go, then he wouldn't have made such a big fuss over you trying to sing again-"

"He would have made a fuss anyway, and I want you to take this chance, Rose. You're an incredible dancer and singer. This is perfect for you."

Rose took her sister's hand into her own and gave it a light squeeze. "I think this could be really good for you, too, you know…things could be different…" She stopped when she saw Melody shake her head, her lips pressed together in anger as she remembered what happened.

"Why? Why does Ben keep pushing this on me? He was there – he knows how I felt, what happened that night…I find out all at once that my boyfriend cheated on me and left me for that diva who bought her way into the program and humiliated me because I wouldn't back down…it was like someone stabbed me right through the chest, Rose. I wanted to die…that's why I chose to make photography my profession. I'm good at it, there's always a need for pictures, and the work I can do on computers…no one's out to get you in that world." She let her sister hug her and stroke her hair, squeezing her tight before letting go. "I'm sorry…but I don't want to get hurt again."

Rose nodded, sadness shining through her beautiful, large eyes. "I'm sorry, too." Kissing her cheek, she said, "Get some sleep. I'm sure things will turn out ok in the end."

Melody nodded, letting her sister leave before pulling out her iPod from her purse and scrolling through the options. She was much too tired to even consider showering or changing, a sudden wave of drowsiness washing over her. Selecting an album, she closed her eyes as Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera score blared through the earphones, sending her into a deep sleep as she began to imagine visiting the Paris Opera House.