Note: Thanks your reviews. I guess I shall continue to occasionally throw in Erik's view of things.

I want people to see that Erik is a bit hesitant to get involved in another relationship. He was affected too deeply by his previous one. At least that is what I am getting at in my story. When he does meet Darcy, it will be purely accidental.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anna has been here for exactly three days.

I have found her to be a quick learner, willing and obedient, but at the same time a bit mischievous and definitely a talker. I am really growing quite fond of her though. She is like the little sister I never had.

I glance over at her cleaning windows in the dormitories. She looks out of place in her little maid uniform, perhaps because she is so small and delicate looking.

My thoughts drift off to my secret admirer. That is how I have started to think of him. I cannot quite understand why he chooses to remain mysterious, but I do find that kind of romantic.

For the first two days, I did not receive any letters from him, but on the third day, I found a letter tucked partly underneath my pillow.

Someone taps me on the shoulders. I look up at Anna,

"There is something going on in the halls," she whispers, gesturing towards the door.

We both walk over to the door and look out into the hallways.

Madame Bourg is standing in the middle of the hall and is surrounded by several dancers and stagehands; they are shouting somewhat loudly.

I can hear some of what they are saying.

"It went missing a few days ago; it was in my room on my dresser. I had taken it out that day to wear with my costume." Claudette, one of the ballet dancers, explains to Madame Bourg, "I searched everywhere for it, then, yesterday, I saw it on her.

"Really! I should not think that I have thieves working for me", Madame Bourg says angrily, "but I guess you could expect that from her sort. Do not worry, we will get it back and she will be fired. Just think that she would do something like that.
Well, I will settle her.

I wonder of whom they are speaking, someone must have stolen something.

I continue, along with Anna, to watch those gathered outside, as they murmur in agreement.

One of the stagehands shakes his fist in the air. "We'll show her what we do with people like that."
The others nod their heads in agreement.

Anna lets out a low whistle. "Someone is in serious trouble"

"I don't doubt it, though I wonder who it is." I watch as they start to head further down the hall, towards us.

Much to my astonishment and horror, they are heading straight for the room we are in.
My heart is beating so fast, it feels as if it will jump from my chest. I look around the little bedroom. There is no one here, except Anna and me. Or is there? There is really no place for someone to hide.

The footsteps and shouting grows louder as they approach.

Anna and I step back and stare at each other. Both of us wondering if the other is the one who is behind all the commotion.

"Anna, did you…did you do it?"

"I should think not. I would never, never, take something that did not belong to me", she sputters angrily, "Perhaps it is you".

"No, I did not do it, but they are coming in this direction, to this very room! Whoever they are talking about is in here.

Just as I finish speaking, Madame Bourg marches into the room with the mob behind her.

"That's it! She has it on. Oh, I knew it. That dirty little nobody has on my locket. How dare she!" Claudette shouts, pointing her fingers in my direction.

I stand gaping at the cold, angry features of Claudette in surprise. What is she talking about?

Madame Bourg walks up to me and suddenly slaps me hard across my face.
"You despicable witch! How dare you come here and steal. You'll be taught a lesson you will never forget."

I stare at everyone in confusion. Did they think that I stole the locket?
"No, there must be some mistake. I did not steal anything. The locket, this locket", I say, clutching the locket tightly, "is mine. It was given to me as a gift."

"No one would give a thief and liar like you anything." Madame Bourg spits, her face turning a very dark shade of red.

"It is a gift, it is, it is." I continue to say repeatedly, near panic.

My glance falls on Anna, who is watching me in disbelief.
"Anna, I didn't do it, you have to believe me!"

Anna looks down at her hands, shaking her head, tears streaming down her little face.

"No Anna, you mustn't think…I promise-"

One of the stagehands grabs my shoulders and shoves me against the wall.

The pain that surges through my shoulder and head, as they make contact with the wall, is almost unbearable. I fall to my knees in pain.

"Please believe me! I cry out, "I have done nothing wrong! I have not taken anything."

"Shut up girl." Madame Bourg orders.

Someone grabs me by my hair and yanks my head up. I find myself staring into the harden face of Joseph; his cold blue eyes mocking me, his mouth twisted into an ugly sneer.

Claudette walks up and snatches the locket from my neck, then waves it in front of my eyes.
"This is mine! Mine!" she screams, then kicks me hard in my side.

I double over in pain and humiliation; tears of shame and anger running down my face.

"Go to your room and pack your stuff. You are fired. I want you out of this place, by tonight! Moreover, if I ever catch you setting foot in the Opera Populaire again, I will inform the police. Do you understand?"

I nod my head slowly. It is of no use trying to convince them of my innocents, no one will ever believe me.
I stay on my knees with my head bowed, until everyone leaves, then I get up and run upstairs to my room.

I walk up to my bed sobbing and collapse onto it gratefully.
My thoughts traverse fiercely through my mind.

Had Monsieur E given me something stolen? Did he steal it? What if everything he had given me was stolen or bought with money that was not his?
How could he have done that to me? I thought he was a good man, my angel, but I see that I am wrong.
No, No! This is all wrong. How could this happen? I had come to care for that man, and this results!

"Why?" I ask acrimoniously into the dark, empty room, "Why did this have to happen to me?"

I hear the door open slowly and slight footsteps enter the room.

I sit up and wipe the tears from my eyes.

"Are you alright, Darcy?" Anna's soft voice calls out.

"No, how can I be? I have just been falsely accessed and humiliated, left without a job and no place to go. How can I be alright?" I ask bitterly.

"I know that you did not take the locket. Perhaps the person who gave it to you did", Anna walks up and places her hand on my shoulder, "I believe you Darcy."

I grasp the small hand and rub it against my cheeks. " I know you do".

"Don't worry, I will find a way to help you." Anna soothes.

"Thanks, but I don't think anything can help me now, unless someone confesses, which I doubt is likely."
I rise slowly. "I have to pack my bags and be out soon."

Suddenly Anna's arms encircle my waist. "Please Darcy, don't go."

I stroke her black hair. "I wish I did not have to leave, but what can I do?"

I tilt her chin up until her face is turned up towards mine. "Promise me you will be a good girl."

Tears spill from those strange golden eyes. "I promise."

I hug her to me tightly, and then turn to finish my packing.

I have no ideal of where I will go, but I know that somehow I will make it.
Everything will turn out fine. It must.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Did Erik steal that Locket?

Review and let me know what you think of this chapter.

I hope everyone likes it.

If I do not get any reviews, then I will stop the story.

Just kidding.