I realized I never gave a proper disclaimer. So:

I do not own the rights to The Phantom of The Opera, although I do own a copy of the book and a DVD of the 2004 movie.

Chapter Six

Lucy finished the piece and began to cry.

"Those horrible ballerinas!" Lucy put her head in her hands, sobbing. Out of nowhere she felt a warm, but stiff hand on her shoulder.

"There, there child. What did the ballerinas say?" the voice said hesitantly. Lucy lifted her head and turned to see a porcelain white mask on a fairly handsome face. His voice was very melodic and soothing; a thousand harps in tune. She remembered Mr. Buquet's descriptions of what he would do to his victims. She was going to shriek, noticing the Punjab Lasso at his side, when she realized he had a caring expression on his face.

"They ma-ma-made a fool out of m-m-me," she whispered," Again. I was wa-wa-walking down the corridor and one of the-the-them tri-tri-tripped me. They all la-la-laughed and made fun of m-m-me."

"Why would they make fun of you, Miss Lucille?"

" They make fun of the fact that I wish to sing and dance on stage, when I cannot even walk." Lucy let out a heart-breaking sob, curled up into a ball, and leaned against The Phantom.

POV Change

The Phantom was broken at Lucille's statement. His face may not look normal, but he, in every other way, was physically normal. This poor child could not walk. She could not use the amazing gift of her voice to make her dream come true. He longed to understand her problem.

"What made you unable to walk, if it is not to personal, Lucille?"

"No, many people ask. Oh, and please call me Lucy, if you would like. When I was born, my knee was dislocated. My parents did not deal with it, and just left me in a wheelchair, until I was about five years old. That is when they took me to a doctor, and he put my knee back into the socket. This gave my knee a chance to grow correctly, but the damage was done. I had various surgeries to check on my knee, causing the scar. When I was seven my mom asked Madame Giry to help me learn to walk. She, reluctantly, agreed. My parents dropped me off here and never returned. I only, nowadays, communicate with my grandfather and my uncle. By age eight and a half I was walking with crutches, and by nine I was with my old cane. This cane was a gift from my grandfather for my birthday, two days ago. I turned ten." Lucy held up her cane. It was beautifully crafted. The intricate designs carved into the wood seemed quite impossible, yet, there they were.

The Phantom, in an attempt to comfort her, wrapped his arms around Lucy and held her close to his chest.

"I am very sorry about your leg, Lucy, and last night. I cannot always control my anger and I was already frustrated about my lyrics. When you whispered out help, I snapped out of my rage just in time to save you. You had a nasty gash on your side so I wrapped that up and sewed your dress, which might I add looked very beautiful on you," Lucy started blushing, "I laid you down on my bed and placed your cane next to it so you would find it. I fell asleep at my music, stumped by the lyrics, which somehow you could come up with. When I woke up, to see you gone, I was very upset, that is, until I read your note. What confused me the most, my dear was that you ended it with "Love," why?

"I, I am not sure. It just felt right."

POV Change

Lucy felt oddly comforted by The Phantom's hold on her. She gently sank into his chest. She could tell this action was not normal to him. She gazed up at him, staring at his deep green eyes. Poor man, what kind of life have you known?

POV Change

"Lucil- Lucy, I remember the day when you came to the opera house. You intrigued me. The fact that you were not perfect intrigued me. I, once and a while, would watch your attempts to walk. Only then, did it just provide simple amusement. Now I realize you are a force not to mettle with. Shall we make a deal?"

"What kind of deal?"

"A simple one. Let me teach you. You have such raw talent that I long to mold into a professional beauty."

"But what do you want in return? A deal goes two ways."

"Well aren't you the little, savvy one. Let us just cross that bridge when we get we get there. Shall we shake on it?" He released Lucy and turned her around. He held out his hand and felt her warm hand grasp it. In that moment of absolute silence, he held her hand gently afraid to damage it, but he was afraid to let go. He did not want to lose anymore than he already lost.

"Meet me here tomorrow night at midnight, my dear."

"But Monsieur, that is past my bedtime."

"Alright, as soon as your friends fall asleep, meet me at my home. Until then, may I escort you back?"

" Of course, Monsieur." The Phantom held out his arm for her to take it, when he realized she had fallen asleep. He picked her up and stealthily snuck her back into her room.

"Goodnight, Lucy."

"Goodnight, Papa."