I am so sorry for the long absence. Here is the next chapter. Enjoy and please review! :) PS. I don't own anything or anyone from the story.

Chapter 3

Monsieurs Firmim and Andre were the managers of the Opera Populaire once more. After the incident of the fire and the Phantom's threatening notes they had decided to retire. But for now, they had to take their old post once again. At least, until someone capable of taking over the manager position, is found.

"Honestly Firmin, look at all there papers. How are we going to cope with this?'', asked an anxious Andre.

''I have absolutely no idea. We have to be patient. Step by step.''

''Step by step? What are you talking about? We must take care of so many issues. Salaries, hiring, new program. Do you realize that we should prepare a new production?''

''But we have already one.''

''Yes, but we have the final performances this week. After that, we have nothing."

''It's alright Andre, we will find a solution. Why are you so nervous? You are never like that."

''I don't know, perhaps because I think that someone will drop the chandelier down again or we will find threatening letters in our office."

"Calm down dear Andre. Everything is ok. He is dead."

"How are you so sure? His body was never found."

"I know but he didn't show up all these years. No one has heard of him too."

''Maybe you are right. I should relax."

"Good. So, let' finish with this paperwork."

Christine was playing Hide and seek with Rosalie in their room.

"Where are you, little one?'', said Christine playfully. Then she heard a girlish laugh. ''I will find you.''

"No you will not'', said the voice laughing.

"Are you here?" said Christine looking behind the wardrobe. "No", she continued. "Maybe you are here", she said looking behind the door.

"No, I am not there and you will not find me", said Rosalie laughing.

"Hmm, let's see…".

She looked around and then she said, "I give up Rosalie, I can't find you".

Suddenly she felt someone hugging her legs.

"Under the bed mama", said Rosalie.

"Oh, under the bed huh?" said Christine tickling her daughter. "How didn't I look there?"

"Stop mama, I can't laugh anymore".

"Alright little one", said her mother laughing and kissed her daughter on the forehead.

Then the room's door opened.

"There you are", said Meg. "I was looking everywhere for you".

"We were here and played hind and seek".

"Yes and mama didn't find me", said Rosalie with a big smile.

"Really?", said Meg caressing Rosalie's cheek. "Christine, you have lost your physical attitude".

"Yes indeed. But I love playing games with my little angel", said Christine caressing her daughter's hair.

"I know. But I love playing with her, too".

"Let's play again with Auntie Meg", said Rosalie. "I will hide and you will search for me".

"Alright young lady. Let's see if we can find you", said Christine and the three of them started to laugh.

2 weeks later…

Firmin had just arrived at the Opera and headed for the office. Five minutes later, Andre was there as well.

"Good morning Firmin", said Andre cheerfully. "Have you just arrived?"

"Yes and I was going to read the mail". And then he saw it.

"It's impossible. You have to see this Andre", said Firmin.

"What is it Firmin?", asked Andre worried.

"It's a letter from Erik Destler."

"Erik Destler? The famous composer and pianist?"

"As it seems", his partner answered. He was so surprised that he stared with wide eyes at the letter.

"Go on, read it", Andre urged him on. Firmin started to read.

Dear manager,

I am so happy to know that the Opera Populaire has reopened. It is really a pleasant surprise. I hope everything goes well and nothing overshadow Opera's glory. As a manager of the Italian Opera and music's admirer, I'd like to make you a present. I'd want to make a donation. I have enclosed a check of 100,000 francs inside the envelope. Please accept it. Also, I would like to watch a new production to your Opera. I wish you will have a productive beginning.

Sincerely yours,

Erik Destler

The two managers looked at each other shocked.

"Firmin? Is he the famous Erik Destler, isn't he? The famous composer and pianist?" asked Andre with trembling voice.

"Yes Andre, it is him". Firmin grabbed the check and looked it with wide eyes. "And he is a generous man, don't you think?"

Andre nodded. "We can do anything with so much money".

"Anything indeed", agreed Firmin. "What are we doing now?"

"What do you mean?"

"First of all, we have to put up a really good production to attract the people".

"I agree with you, but what?" asked Andre.

They remained thoughtful for a few moments, when suddenly Andre exclaimed.

"THAT'S IT. I GET IT".

"What? What did you get dear friend? Tell me."

"What if we would ask Monsieur Destler to give us permission to rehearse one of his operas?"

"It's a wonderful idea but what if he refuses?"

"We can tell him that it would be a great honor for us to present a huge production like his operas. We can find something to persuade him, don't worry", said Andre with shiny eyes.

"Do you think that this will work?", said Firmin with a doubt

"Why not? We have a full crew from dancers and actors. We will attract all Paris and after that the people will come to us more easily. Think Firmin, he is a famous composer. Everyone would want to watch one of his operas. The man is incredibly talented. Opera Populaire will return to its previous glory".

Firmin smiled. "Let's answer to this letter then and be prepared for a grand opening".