The Same (A PotO Phan-fic)

Chapter 1

A/n: First and for most I'd like to thank sarahlet2999 for helping me out. This is my forat Phan-fic and I am very excited to write it. Just to let you know, I don't really follow any 'canon' look for Erik I have my own image of him, though the image used as the cover pretty much sums up on how I imagine him! I also tend to switch the point of view a lot as well. Thank you for reading this lil intro and I hope you enjoy!
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.Layla.

I let out a long, tired sigh while staring out the window of the carriage. Not even a week ago had I ran away from the only place I had known as home; Dublin, Ireland. I had been assisted with the help of my mother, Marilyn Barrett, and my trustworthy and kind butler, John Bobkin. My father, David Barrett, was not the kindest nor caring person towards me. He rather despised me, his only child his wife could bare, Layla Barrett. Lets' just say I was a disappointment in his eyes. I'm already eighteen and considered a disappointment.

My mother was a very strict woman, she was harsh but also knew how to love a child. She helped me along with my only friend -The butler- escape my fathers wrath when I made a rather large and unforgettable mistake. My mother, butler, and I didn't want me he harsh consequences that he has bestowed apon me before in the past; so they helped me get away.

And with that painful thought of him, I gave a quick glance to my left hand which was safetly covered with a silk glove. I grimaced knowing full well what was under there and tried to give my full attention to my other hand, which was holding a cream coloured envelope with the name 'Antoinette Giry' written neatly on it. My painful thought were quickly soothed in reminder of my butler and his stories of how he used to work at a magnificent Opera House in Paris.

A small smile slowly formed on my face when I realized the cabbie had come to a stop at my destination. The driver opened the door for me and offered his hand, which I hesitantly took his hand with my left and stepped out. The short man quickly untied my suitcase and handed it to me. I gave him a small thanks, reaching in my sachel, placing the correct amount of Francs, which my butler graciously gave me, in his leather gloved hand. The cabbie driver tip his hat a thanks and rode off. I stared off at the building in which was my destination; a grin broke out on my face.

"The Opéra Garnier." I breathed, taking in all the sents of bakeries and pastries. I quckly skipped up the steps and hope for the best when I enter the one of the most popular Opera Houses known. I held the the letter to my chest and kept my luggage close by as I entered the main hall. I looked around in hopes to find someone to lead me to a woman named Antoinette Giry, my butler's dearest friend when he worked here.

I noticed an older gentleman walk from a corridor on the right; he had light brown hair which seemed to be greying, a almost full handle bar mustache,and light brown eyes. He was dressed rather nicely with a chain hanging out his pocket, presumably a pocket watch was kept in his pocket. As best as I could, I gained his attention towards me.

"Excuse me, Monsieur!" I called as he quickly made his way to me. I let out a sigh of relief and swept some of my blonde hair over my shoulder, not very successful since it's a little longer than my shoulders.

"Manager Lefevre at your service, how may I help you?" He gave a gentle smile, in which I returned.

"I am here to deliver a letter to Antoi-" I remembered my butlers words on how to adress Giry. "To Madame Giry in person."

"Ah come this way then. I'd like to warn you, she does not take kindly to being interrupted during rehearsals." He gestered me towards the large doors and I quickly followed him. When he opened the doors; it was like my breath was stolen. The stage looked marvelous! My attention was stolen on the rehearsal's going on for an up coming opera. I snapped out of my trance when I felt Lefevre's hand on my back, leading me to the stage. "Oh Madame Giry! You have letter!" He called to the woman holding cane. I first noticed her stern look that rested on her face, and then her long braid that swung behind her as she faced Lefevre and I.

"How many times do I need to tell you not to interrupt my practices, Monsieur Lefevre." She spoke sternly and tapped her cane on the stage floor. "Girls, you may take a small break." She quickly walked over to us and stretched her hand out for the letter. Quickly, I placed in in her hands and watched as her eyes widen with recognition. She traced over the hand writing on the envelopes front before tearing it open and reading the letter my butler had wrote to her.

(AN:) I'd hate to leave the first chapter so quickly but I must be getting going. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please expect more to come!