Happy New Year! This is the next chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 5

Erik was sitting at his desk in his office studying a new contract from a music company. They wanted him to compose a series of new arias. But Erik's mind was elsewhere. He was sure that the letter would have arrived in Paris so far. He was wondering what they would think. Would he receive an answer?
And if he would, what would that be? They would't deny the money. He was sure of that. 'Why am I thinking so much of this letter? Whatever will be, will be', he thought and turned his attention back to the contract. Then he heard knock on the door.

"Come in", he said.

Lorentzo entered holding a silver tray with an amount of letters on it.

"I am sorry Signor for interrupting you. I brought your mail".

"Thank you Lorentzo. Let it there", he pointed at the edge of the desk.

''Do you need anything else Signor Erik?", asked the butler.

"No, you can leave".

Lorentzo obeyed and exited the office. Erik took the letters in his hands and started to search for one particular letter. And he found it. He opened the envelope immediately. Reading the first few lines, a smile appeared on his lips, a rare thing for him. He continued reading but suddenly the smile froze. He was shocked. 'No, this is not happening', he thought. Suddenly, he jumped from his seat and stormed out of his office.

"Lorentzo, I will go out to take care of an issue", Erik said still holding the letter. "I don't know how long it will take".

"That's quite alright Signor. Take your time", he said giving his boss his jacket, hat and cane.

Then Erik opened the door and vanished. He wanted to talk to someone about this and he only knew one man he wanted to talk to.

Nadir Khan was sitting to his favorite armchair and was drinking tea. Then, his servant, Darius, entered the living room.

"Monsieur Nadir, your friend monsieur Destler is here".

"Erik? Here? Tell him enter Darius".

The servant bowed and exited the room. Few seconds later, Erik appeared in front of Daroga.

"Welcome Erik. Are you alright? Please have a seat", Nadir said and pointed to another armchair across from him.

"Thank you Nadir. As for your question my answer is no. No alright at all", Erik said. "I am sure that you would wonder what I am doing here".

"The truth is that, yes, I find it very weird. Is everything alright? You usually send a message".

Erik took the letter from his pocket and gave it to Nadir.

"Read this", he said with a serious tone.

Nadir curiously took the envelope, opened it and started to read the letter.

Dear Monsieur Destler,

We would like to thank you about your wishes for a productive year and of course for your generous gesture. We wish the same for your career as well.

My partner and I would like to tell you that we are big admirers of your work and for this reason we would like to ask you a favor. We have already rehearsed one of our operas for the grand opening and this will last till the next couple of months. So we would like to tell you that it would be a great honor for our Opera House if you allow us to add in our new program, one of your operas. It will be a great chance for the Parisian audience to watch such a masterpiece. We will work really hard to bring your opera in life. Of course, you are welcome to stay to our Opera House and watch the rehearsals. Please, consider my suggestion. If you decide no, so be it. But please think about it. We will be eagerly awaiting your response. We wish you again the best for your career.

Sincerely,

Richard Firmin

Nadir finished reading the letter and looked at Erik.

"This is great Erik. This is a great opportunity for you. But I don't understand one thing. Why are you making such a big fuss? I know you for a long time and I know that you have already the answer in Monsieur Firmin's question. I don't agree with you but my opinion doesn't count right now. You response to this letter and that's all. What's your problem?"

Erik was sitting with his head down and his hands clasped. His gaze was on the floor. He heard Nadir' s question but he couldn't answer. The words didn't come to his lips.

"Erik? What's wrong? Why aren't you looking at me?"

Erik was silent. And then Nadir understand.

"Wait a minute", said Nadir. "You want to say 'yes', right"?

Erik decided to speak. It was useless to try hiding from Nadir.

"Alright Nadir, you won. It's true that I consider his suggestion. I know that I shouldn't even think about it but I can't reject his letter like this. I mean, it's the Opera House. My home. I have thought that I return back so many times. I would like to see Antoinette again. I want to see my home again. Although I know that it is destroyed. Oh Nadir help me. I don't know what to do".

Nadir could tell that his friend was in a serious dilemma. He understood his desire to go back to his former home but on the other hand he was still a wanted man. What if someone recognize him and turned him to the authorities? They didn't know if the story of the phantom had been forgotten. If the authorities discover Erik, that would be his end.

"I don't know either, my friend. But, if you want to go, you must think a lot about it. It's a big risk. You know that, right?"

"Of course Daroga. I am not an ignorant", Erik said and stood from his seat. "I know very well what will happen and I don't want to destroy my peaceful life".

Nadir stood as well.

"My suggestion is go home and relax. Right now, you are confused and you can't think clear. I know that is too risky for you to go to Paris but I also know that this is a big chance for you. The decision is tough but I want you know that whatever you choose I will be by your side and if you decide to go I will come with you. Just think about it and let me know".

Erik was staring at his friend.

"I can't ask this of you Nadir. We have a theatre to run together. Have you forgotten? What about the Opera House here? We can't stay away both of us".

"We will think about that Erik. But I can't leave you alone".

"Let's not discuss anything else right now. I will send a note to you as soon as I can", he answered and with a last glance to his friend, he left the house.