(So sorry about displaying Meg as a cruel girl... I wish I didn't have too!) :(

Chapter 9

Erik

"Madame Giry." I whisper, tapping her shoulder.

"Erik we must talk. Can we go to your-"

"Yes." I grab her wrist and drag her down to my lair.

"Erik!" she sputters as I push her onto the couch and sit down myself. Her hair has loosened, so she ties it back up.

"I am sorry. It was just-daylight." she nods, "About-" I put up my hand, "Would you like some tea, water, or any beverage?" she shakes her head, "I will only be here a short while. I'm here to talk about Kristina-your student." I freeze, "Yes?"

"You've kept her for a while... yesterday... until this morning. I nod, "I am sorry. She fainted and I didn't want to wake her..."

"She fainted?" Madame stares hard at me.

"Antoinette-"

"Don't call me that."

"Madame, please, it was just-"

"Erik. I am truly worried here." she pauses.

"For who?" I look away.

"For Kristina and you, as well." I coldly say, "I can never be hurt again... nothing, can, Madame. I've heard it all. Besides, I would never hurt Kristina and I would never let her get hurt."

"Erik," she sighs, "I am saying this for your good, she may... hurt you. You have been close to her... and..."

"How can she hurt me?" I whisper, "I've been through it all, Madame... please don't-"

"Erik, listen. Please listen to me. You've grown quite close to her throughout the last eight years and I know you love her." I sharply take a breath in, "I can never love anyone... because that would be false hope... no one can ever love me or would ever love me, not in all the years in the world. I don't-I would never have false hope, Ma'am. I understand you perfectly well, so if you may take your leave."

She stands up, "I am sorry-"

"Oh, and Madame, why haven't they fired Raoul, yet?"

"He's the benefactor for this place." I grimace, "I have one more letter for the managers." I nod as he hands me the letter with the regular blood red skull stamped.

"Farewell, then and thank you." he says as I exit.

Meg

I feel horrible for talking to Kristina like that, about Raoul... I don't know what his was... perhaps it was his kindness, or his looks... but I was drawn to him and I couldn't believe that Kristina could deny him-even for her angel. But I was sorry and she had disappeared... to where?

I entered her room filled with the bouquets of roses and other flowers, closets, two black couches, and a bathroom. In the middle was a desk with a silver framed mirror and candles that were put out, so the room was dark.

"Kristina?" I call her name, softly. I walk quietly to her mirror-the large one at the end, about the same size as me. I look into it, why was Raoul interested in Kristina but not me? I was pretty enough, wasn't I? I swallow, putting my hand on the mirror. I realize that the mirror is open! I pull it open the rest of the way, revealing a dark hall, flickering with torches.

I gasp and clenching the metal key, I step inside. I look at the mirror from the outside and see that I can see the room perfectly. I enter, carefully walking through cobwebs and puddles. Something squeaks and I shriek-it's a mouse. I clutch the key tighter, walking along, swallowing. I look around as I slowly walk.

Something touches my shoulder and I quickly turn around to see my Mother.

"Mother." I exclaim. She grabs my wrist, closing the mirror and leading me out of the room. She says nothing, just giving me a disapproving look...

Madame Giry

I am nervous, because Erik has Kristina... still. Besides, she has to take another scene of the movie... but she's not here. I know Eric will keep his word-keeping her safe, however... I am afraid for my daughter, as well, because she's entered Kristina's room and almost has seen the Phantom. Meg is a... fragile girl, although she doesn't act like it... she'll be frightened dearly if she sees him-so she must never.

The managers are with Raoul and nasty Carlotta with her ridiculous pink hat and fur shawl, with her assistant. Meg trails behind me in her white leotard and a long sky blue tutu. While i am wearing a black dress with tiny red buttons, a black shawl, and my long braid down.

"Managers... the Opera Ghost-he sends another letter." I hand them the letter as they murmur their last words of Kristina's disappearance and replacing her.

"Red it loud, managers. Let us ear what the Ghost says to us, eh?" she glares. The manager replies, "Alright. But, will Kristina sing and where is she?" I swallow, "She will sing." Meg quietly says, blushing, "She needed rest." I finish, "She will not see anyone." Raoul steps forward, "Not even me, Madame?"

"No one. However the Ghost has declared she shall be returning." I reply, certainly. The managers read the letter out loud, "Dear Gentlemen, I have now sent you several letters, of the most affable detailing how my theatre should be run. You now hold a few other instructions. I will give you one last chance. Kristina Daae has returned to you. And I am most anxious her career should progress. You shall start a new movie... perhaps during the 1870s and Carlotta shall be the pageboy. Put Kristina Daae in the role of Countess. The role of the Countess plays for appeal and charm. The role of the pageboy is silent and no word at all. I shall watch the movie from seat 5, top row. Therefore, this seat shall be kept empty for me. Should these commands me ignored a disaster beyond your imagination will occur. I remain, gentlemen. Your obedient, OS." his voice shakes as he finishes.

"Ridiculous! CRAZY! INSANE! I know who sent this-" she points to Raoul, "the Vicomte, her lover!" she storms into her room, all of us trailing behind her.

"Señora, senora!" the managers call, "You are our star and... Señora! This man is mad, señora, señora. We do not take orders! Kristina will be playing the page boy and you shall be the magnificent Countess. We follow her to the doors.

"Yes, this man is crazy! I do agree with you. But I shall not be your star any longer, men."

"Your people need you-please, señora, please." the managers sing, "Please pardon this letter, madame... oh, please, señora!" She storms onto the stage pushing practicing ballerinas out of the way, throwing the maids' rags onto the floor while they are cleaning the staircases, in anger.

The adoring fans are out the window and she is about to agree, but then she hears them screaming, "Miss Daae! Miss Daae!" She is angry again, her eyes gleaming.

"The public needs you to right their affections and we need you, Carlotta!"

Carlotta finally nods and she returns to her room, showered with jewels, chocolates, pets, clothes, and much more.