Okay I am moving very quickly in this chapter, skipping a few months. Also, the opera mentioned, Don Carlos, actually did premiere in Paris in 1867. So I am stealing from history what isn't mine, and borrowing the wonderful Phantom of the Opera characters as well.

Well, you know the drill: read and review!!!

I spent many happy months there at the opera. During the day, I went to rehearsals and lessons and spent time with my loyal best friend Meg Giry. Then, at night, I met with Erik, my greatest tutor of all, learning how to improve my voice, and teaching him to love.

All of the sudden July was upon us, and I recalled a deep longing to return to the house by the sea in which I had spent much of my childhood. I bid Erik good-bye, almost deciding to cancel my plans when I saw the look on his face. But I knew that the sooner I departed the sooner I could return. So with tears in my eyes, I packed my bags and left the Opera Populaire.

The three weeks passed quickly and quietly. The house was still there, feeling empty without the children running around, and without my father. I arrived back at the opera late one August evening, and, completely exhausted, I went straight to bed without so much as a word to anyone.

When I woke up the next morning, Meg was in my room. "Meg!" I cried, throwing my arms around my best friend. "Oh, I missed you so! What happened while I was gone? You must tell me everything!"

Meg smiled, and I noticed the weariness in her voice as she spoke. "Auditions are about to begin for Don Carlos, and Carlotta has been bothering the managers about her role." She rolled her eyes, then was suddenly serious. "Speaking of the managers, they have started receiving strange letters from someone who calls himself the 'opera ghost' asking for 20,000 francs and instructing them about the opera! They are more than disgruntled about this, especially as the letters include threats about 'disasters' occurring."

I raised my eyebrows. "And they don't know who it is?"

Meg shook her blond head. "They don't have a clue. Actually, they're probably debating about whether or not to meet this opera ghost's demands right now."

I snorted. "I bet Carlotta is not too happy that their attention isn't completely on her."

Meg laughed, and hugged me again. "It is so good to have you back, Christine! I'll leave you to get dressed. We start auditions very soon."

After she closed the door, all thoughts of this "Opera Ghost" were absent from my mind. All I could think about were the Don Carlos auditions, and how I desperately wished that I would be cast as the main female lead Elisabeth. But as I pondered this more thoroughly, my heart sank. A lowly chorus girl like myself would almost certainly be pushed aside. Especially as Signora Carlotta, the prima donna, would certainly be given the part without even an audition.

I shook my head at my insolence. I had been away from the opera for almost a month, and not present for the directors to even consider me. Sighing, I got up and dressed slowly, busying my hands for as long as possible.

It was then that I noticed a single, blood-red rose lying upon my dresser. There was a note beside it that read:

"My dear Christine,

Welcome back. I hope your trip was pleasant.

Much has happened here that we must discuss. I also have a surprise for you. In a matter of hours, it will reveal itself to you. We shall meet again shortly.

Yours,

Erik."

Touched by his thoughtfulness, I tucked the rose and the note into the dresser drawer. And as much as I was pleased, I was confused. His wording befuddled me- "it will reveal itself to you"? What did that mean? I sighed and went out into the hallway, closing my door behind me. I couldn't worry myself with Erik's confusing note. I had pressing matters to deal with at the present.

Once I came onto the stage, Madame Giry met me with open arms. "Welcome back, mademoiselle," she whispered in my ear. "I have much to tell you."

As she pulled away I threw her a questioning look, but she merely smiled and walked to stand beside a group of ballet dancers. I diverted my attention from her to the managers, who were asking for our silence.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" M Andre shouted, his face flushing scarlet. At last the assembled throng was quiet. "Thank you. As you know, our upcoming opera, Don Carlos, is to premiere in a matter of weeks. Today the auditions for the lead roles of Don Carlos, King Phillip, Rodrigue, the Count of Lerma, Princess Eboli, and Elisabeth shall be held and tomorrow, the auditions for the minor and chorus roles. Now, as-"

But once again, my thoughts drifted, only to be interrupted suddenly by Madame Giry's voice. "Monsieur!" she called, waving a yellowed envelope with a crimson seal, "A letter from the Opera Ghost!"

There was loud murmuring at this. Meg shot me a meaningful glance. "Another one?" M Andre seemed angry. "Bring it here then, Madame."

The crowd parted to let her through, and she handed the note to her steaming manager. He roughly tore the envelope and read quickly through it, his gray eyebrows shooting higher and higher with each sentence.

Once he had finished and tossed it to his partner, he turned to us, "The Opera Ghost bids you all good day, and asks for the 'hideous gown' used in Act III to be removed, as well as his month fee of 20,000 francs to be paid. Also," he raised his voice. "Is a mademoiselle Christine Daae present?"

Several pairs of eyes shot to me. I blushed automatically, speechless. "Answer him, Christine," Meg mumbled in my ear. "It's probably in your favor."

"Miss Christine Daae?"

"I am here, monsieur." I replied, stepping forward.

M Andre surveyed me with critical eyes. "The Opera Ghost also requests that you, Miss Daae, star in as Elisabeth in Don Carlos. He says-" Andre snatched the letter back from his partner "- 'I ask that Christine Daae replace your current leading soprano to play Elisabeth in your upcoming production of Don Carlos, effective immediately. Miss Daae has immense talent that must not be ignored or pushed aside by an ugly hag whose voice sounds as though she were croaking. If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur. Your obedient servant, O.G.'"

Now everyone in the theater was staring at me.

M Andre's expression was cold. "Mademoiselle, do you know this Opera Ghost?"

"No!" I cried. "I have no idea who it is. I have just returned from my holiday, monsieur. I don't know who it could be."

My manager glared at me suspiciously. "Yes, well, in order to keep this man from taking advantage of our opera, we are refusing to grant his wishes. He is obviously not sane, and possibly dangerous, so all of you, keep on your guard!" He addressed the entire crowd. Then he turned to his partner. "Will you meet me in our office? Now?"

"Of course," the taller man responded, following Andre closely.

As the throng dispersed, I spotted the dropped letter on the floor. Picking it up, realization hit me like a washing blow. It was the same parchment, the same ink, the same handwriting as the note that sat in my drawer.

Erik, what have you done?

There, a nice long update- so let me know what you think!

I know it isn't my best chapter, but the Phantom of the Opera had to introduce himself sometime!