 “Another note.” Chrissy picked up the folded parchment from off the music stand to show her friend Maggie. “That’s the third Sunday in a row.”
“That’s what happens when you perform live in a talent show,” Maggie said, sitting down at the organ. “You get fan mail.” She opened the hymnbook to the chosen hymn. “No, the notes started before the talent show.” Chrissy carefully opened the delicate paper with an excited flutter in her stomach. “This guy must have liked me before he heard me sing.” “That’s really cool unless he’s a stalker.” Maggie tested the sound of the keys, ready to play the prelude music. “What’s it say?” She didn’t wait for Chrissy to answer, just quietly began the first hymn. Chrissy lowered herself into a chair. It would be a little while before the church meeting started and she would need to lead the music. She used the reprieve to read the graceful yet masculine words flowing across the page. Christina, I hope you had a nice week. I wish I was brave enough to introduce myself to you. I look forward to the day when we finally look into one another’s eyes and you see the man behind my mask. I’m sorry to be so cryptic. You’ll understand… in time. Are you going to the bonfire tomorrow evening? Maybe I’ll see you there. —P.C. Chrissy tucked the note into her purse with a soft smile and was tempted to gaze around the gathering congregation to see if any guys were watching her. She thought she knew all the people in the student ward at Michigan State University and the attached living center. She racked her brain, trying to think of anyone in the apartment complex who would have the initials P.C. Who would have a crush on me anyway? Chrissy had been a wallflower at school and church until she recently performed a solo at the ward talent show and caught everyone’s attention. Other than her beautiful voice, there wasn’t much else that stood out. She was a simple girl with no distinguishing outward features, like fabulous flowing hair or captivating eyes. She’d just returned from serving as a missionary in Ghana for eighteen months and kept herself focused on school. The first folded note had appeared on the music stand the week after she was called to the position of chorister for sacrament meetings. It had been simple and quick. Christina, I’m glad you were called to be the chorister because I’ll get to hear your beautiful voice come through the microphone every Sunday. —P.C. The note confused her, but she was running late. She tucked the paper into her purse and conducted the music without really thinking about it again. The following Friday, she performed in the talent show and dozens of people complimented her. Then the second note showed up on the music stand on Sunday. Christina, that was so lovely. You’re very talented. That, or you have been well-trained. I’d like to think it’s a combination. I hope to meet you in person someday. Maybe I’ll gather enough courage to introduce myself. For now, I’ll continue to watch you shine, sweet angel of music. —P.C. It was after the second note that Chrissy and Maggie began referring to him as the Phantom of the Chapel in reference to the popular musical The Phantom of the Opera. Chrissy hoped her admirer wasn’t some crazed fan wearing a mask like the guy in the story. Naming Chrissy’s secret admirer the Phantom of the Chapel was a funny joke at the time. Now it was getting a little creepy. A shiver raced down Chrissy’s spine as she tucked the third note into her purse and stood to prepare for the meeting. Click here to read Chapter Two of Phantom of the Chapel.
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