So, this is the next chapter. I want to thank you for your wonderful reviews. They make me really happy. I am so delighted that this story gets more and more reviews. Thank you, guys! :)

Chapter 10

He opened his eyes. The sun was already up and the anguished man groaned as he remembered what would happen in a few hours. Today would be the first rehearsal of his opera. He groaned once more and pushed the pillow on his face trying to forget that he would socialize with so many people again. But he had to do it. With slow moves, he raised from the bed and sat on its edge. He looked at the chair opposite to him and the clothes on it. Sooner or later he had to face his fears.

A new day began. Christine was already up. She had decided to take a walk with her daughter and Meg before rehearsals start officially. She knew that today was the first day of auditions for actors and actresses. That meant that he would be here all day. So her plan was to be absent for the whole day and come back late in the afternoon. When she told Meg her idea, the blond ballerina had a weird expression.

"I don't understand Christine. You said that you will have your eyes on him, remember? Why that long absence? Rosalie will be tired. Besides it's not so wise for two young women and a child to be alone on the street that late hour".

"Meg, it will not be so late. Besides, the streets are so crowded in the afternoons and Rosalie will be thrilled to have you on our walk. Please, Meg, don't think about it. I have already told your mother and she is agreed with it. We will be back before six, I promise. There will be still light. Please, Meg, tell me that you agree?", Christine asked with pleading eyes.

"I would come anyway, Christine. I just don't understand your attitude. But you know better".

"Thank you, Meg. And, as regards the other thing you mentioned, I remember very well what I said. I also said that I will hand him to the police if he will try to hurt me or my child. I don't want to see him, Meg, at least not yet. I know that I can't avoid him forever but for now, I will. I feel weird. I thought him dead for a decade and suddenly I see him here, having already a career. It's just… weird. Don't you think?"

"Maybe you are right but please, consider what Μama told us. That he is here just for his job", Meg said touching her friend's hand.

Christine smiled. Maybe Meg was right. But in her head, the possibility of revenge was bigger than a career. She would try to have both thoughts at the back of her head.

The day couldn't go worse. He was in the auditorium and he had heard almost thirty people from the early morning and it was only the middle of the day. He had to hear twenty more men and women who thought they could sing. 'This will never end. Time for a break. I need it', he thought and standing from his seat, announced to the managers and to the actors and actresses that the audition would continue in half an hour. He exited the big room and stood for the while in the hallway. A terrible headache made his appearance and Andre found him, seconds later, massaging his temples.

"So, Monsieur Destler, how the new artists appeared to you? First impressions?"

"Horrible", Erik answered without looking at him.

"But why? There were so many young people with so much talent."

"Yes, but not for my opera."

Andre, seeing that the composer wasn't so talkable, left him alone. Besides, they had an entire week of auditions to come and maybe the composer would choose someone. He hoped, at least. Erik, on the other side, wanted to disappear. He would never find a voice as he wanted it. He had asked from managers to put an ad to the local newspaper which would inform the people that, at the Opera House, would take place an audition for a new opera. He hadn't found the voice which would please him so far. But it was only the first day and he had an entire week in front of him to choose. Actually, he wanted to finish with the auditions in three days time but he knew that he had specific requirements that would not be covered so easily. With these thoughts, he took a deep breath and returned to the auditorium.

The walk was wonderful. Rosalie was delighted. Although it was mid-October, the day was warm enough and the streets were crowded. Christine and Meg took a long walk in the streets of Paris and then they took Rosalie for lunch to a small, beautiful bistro. They laughed and felt carefree like the old days. By five o' clock, they had returned to the Opera House.

"Wow Christine, it was an amazing day", Meg said cheerfully as they walked to the dormitories. "And that bistro? It was so cute. Why had we to do it for so many years? We should go out more often".

"Oh Meg you are such a sweetheart", Christine said, laughing with all her heart. "But if I remember correctly, you didn't want me to go out in the first place. What happened now?"

"Yes I did but I had a wonderful time, really", Meg said entering the room, leaving her bag on her bed. "I can't wait to tell Mama about our day".

"I can't wait to listen to Meg", Madame Giry added. She was behind Christine, holding in her arms the little Rosalie.

"Mama, you have no idea how good time we had. We went to the shops and saw the showcases, we walked on the streets, and…

"…and Meg adored that little bistro where we went for lunch", Christine added hugging her friend.

"Oh, how nice girls. And you little one", Antoinette said looking Rosalie, "did you have fun?"

"Oh yes, Auntie Nettie. They took me at the playground, we looked at the toys in the shops and we ate a delicious lunch and a huge croissant which I shared with Auntie Meg", Rosalie said with excitement. "Mama, can we do it again?"

"Of course sweetheart", Christine said taking the little girl in her arms. "But the next time Auntie Nettie will come with us, will you Mama?"

Madame Giry nodded.

"So, how was your day?", Christine asked.

"Nothing weird. The usual. The first day of auditions has been completed but not with success".

"Why? He didn't choose anyone?", the blonde ballerina asked her mother.

"No. But we have six more days of auditions. I am sure that in the end, he will find the voices that suit his taste. Now, girls, I will retire for the day. If you need anything, you know where you will find me". Madame Giry turned and closed the door behind her. Meg turned to her friend.

"You could take place to the auditions you know. I am sure that anyone would choose you to take the lead role".

"Yes Meg, maybe. But, this time I wouldn't. First of all, it's not anyone, it's him, the Phantom and secondly I have to sing almost ten years. I would need more time to prepare my voice. Besides I don't want to take place in this audition".

"I am sorry Christine, I didn't want to make you feel bad. I just believe that you are the best singer in entire Paris".

"I know Meg that you mean well. But I am sure that there are more singers out there who are better than I am. You'll see that he will choose the best for his work. I know him. He will not accept anything less than perfect. Don't worry. At the end of the week, he will present to us the cast of his opera.