Hello, Readers, I'm going to get this chapter up then continue working, because right now, I'm writing chapter twelve so i'm in the home stretch. Thanks so much for favorite-ing my story everyone who did (I'm too lazy to name you all) Thanks! Get ready for some action in up-coming chapters. *C.E.L

Chapter Nine

"Your progress in rehearsals is admirable, Elise. I was concerned at first that you wouldn't have enough time, but you seem to have been well trained for the role." He laughed as if he had told a joke; Mimi smiled tentatively, not knowing what was funny. I said nothing. Keeping my expression carefully blank, I would not show him that I was afraid.

Eric looked up, and seeing that Rom was on his way back to me, he gave one last secretive smile, saying as he left, "Have a wonderful holiday, I will see you at rehearsals." He walked quickly away, with Mimi striving to keep up.

"I'm so sorry I had to leave you with that slimy creep. Are you alright?" Rom asked worriedly, "What did he say?" He continued, when I nodded that I was fine.

"He just said that I was doing well in rehearsals. He wished me a good holiday and left when you started coming back." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, calming myself. "Rom, let's just forget him, I want to have fun." Rom nodded silently, I could tell he was still pissed off.

We circled the room for the first hour we were there, I chatted with agents and directors who had rejected me for having a voice that was too classical. Now they all fawned pathetically, having heard rehearsal recordings. Only one producer really stuck out, his name was Andrew Firmann and he offered lead roles for both me and Rom in a show to be done in a newly renovated theater in Richmond, Virginia. "Rom, that's where you're from," I exclaimed, after Firmann had left.

"Yeah, I know," Rom replied, his eyes sparkled, "You don't live very far from there either, if I recall."

"I don't, but what I mean is, after this is over," By "this" I meant Phantom. "We could go there for Firmann's show, live where it's warm for a change, the money was good. Not that that's an issue for you, but it matters to me. Firmann seems to have offered us the perfect situation." I got lost in a daydream of Rom and I being part of the same cast and living close to one another. The ideas progressed and I imagined Rom eventually proposing. I quickly had to shake myself out of that one. Rom and I had just started dating again; I was getting way ahead of myself. Still, it was a pleasant thought, Rom was exactly the type of guy that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Maybe someday…

Rom and I danced together until well past midnight. I felt like I was living in a dream, one that I hoped I wouldn't wake up from. A dream where stalkers and eerie co-stars were vague shadows, nightmares you had as a child and had all but forgotten. Rom made me feel safe and loved, but I had already delved too far into the character Christine to write off the mysterious singer who haunted me. Even while the rational part of my mind fought those feeling back, the trained actress part of me welcomed them.

The truth was, I felt as if I knew him, he suffered in himself, he had talent that few recognized or acknowledged. I felt sympathy for him, yet the very thought of his "messages" filled my heart with icy fear. I knew escaping him would be difficult, but I hoped he wouldn't do anything to interfere with my singing or my career.

"Ms. Dayson!" a voice called from behind us, it was Andrew Firmann, whose offer had been the most tempting, "I must admit that I feel very- awkward- saying this, but some information has just come to light and I think that, perhaps, you and Mr. Morris- are not suited for the parts I offered. I am sorry." Firmann's nervousness was evident; he was very shaken by whatever "information" he had received.

"Sir, if I may, what could you have been told, and by whom, that would make you change your mind so suddenly?" I felt the familiar sting of rejection, the same as it had been when I was still struggling as an actress, trying to land even a minor role. I was not proud of abandoning my family, of not being able to pay my rent most of the time, and of being too arrogant to ask for help and beg forgiveness when I needed it, but I did not have shameful secrets, I had never sunk as far as many actresses trying to get a part. Firmann's informant was either lying or mistaken and I wanted to clear my name before I lost the chance of a lifetime.

"I was told by someone who claimed to be an acquaintance that you have a history of jealousy for other female cast-mates. In fact, he said that you had threatened and attacked them. He also mentioned that you received mysterious letters in the mail that told you who to target. I cannot be held to the offer I made earlier when I was not aware of the difficulties that your talent came with." He turned to leave, and I couldn't stop him. I was too furious to move, and too humiliated to speak up for myself.

Rom came to my defense immediately though. "That's not true!" He shouted, following Firmann. "I've known Elise since high school and she has never threatened her competition, because she doesn't have to. She is talented and dedicated and you would be lucky to have her on your cast." Rom was still fuming and I was a little worried he'd take a swing at Firmann.

"The offer is still open to you, Mr. Morris; I have heard nothing but good things about you." Firmann said, and I was almost sure he'd hit Firmann now.

Rom responded through clenched teeth. "If you don't hire Elise, I will not work for you, and I would rather clean sewers with my toothbrush than work for a slimy, groveling jerk like you. Next time you hear something about a person, you should check your facts before you act, dirtbag." Rom turned on his heel and walked away, I stayed behind to confirm my worst fears.

"Who gave you that so called information?" I asked, putting my acting skills to the test and trying to sound imperious. I was pleased that my voice didn't shake with the emotions I was repressing.

"I didn't get a very good look at him, it was dark. He was tall, and he had very dark hair, he was quite adamant about his information being true. He said he knew you very well. I saw no reason not to believe him." Mr. Firmann seemed to be trying to regain his composure but I think Rom's insults had shaken him.

Only one conclusion could be drawn, Eric had planted the information; I couldn't imagine it was out of spite for Rom, because Rom had still been wanted for the part. My best guess was that someone had wanted to separate us. I chased Rom into an alcove of the lobby, outside the ballroom.

"It was him, wasn't it?" Rom said, there was no need to ask who "he" was. Eric.

Nodding, I stepped closer to him, into his arms. I hated the feeling of being chased, the constant terror that he would take it further than just threats. As much as I tried to deny it, I knew the threats would eventually turn into actions.

"Take me home, please, Rom. I want to get an early start tomorrow. I just want to get away from the city for a while." I was desperately trying not to cry, Rom held me closer.

"I got the tickets, I won't leave you Lissie. I promise" The intensity in Rom's eyes was almost too much.

Forcing a smile I said, "That's all I ask of you." We walked out of the hotel together, ready for a break from the fear.