A/N: Sorry for the delay... I've been having a writer's block AND teachers at school seem to forget that school is not my life AND I have Kiwanis every single day this week..

Despite accepting Erik's face, Meg avoided touching and mentioning the mask. She would never admit it, but the sight of his face made her feel uncomfortable, and she never wanted Erik to feel like she didn't love him because of his face. She cursed herself inwardly for being so shallow but she could not help it. His face however did not affect their budding romance and she was determined that it never would. She loved him, no matter what his face looked like

Erik preferred wearing his mask, and although his angel had accepted his face and loved him still, he wore it for his own confidence. One person could not change the years of hatred he had known.

"May I have your attention everyone," Monsieur Lefèvre shouted as he walked to the centre of the stage. The loud talking and laughter quickly died down as the manager continued, "I have decided that instead of performing an opera, we shall put on a ballet, to feature our newest rising ballerina, La Sorelli."

This announcement was met with many hushed whispers, as Sorelli walked up to stand beside Monsieur Lefèvre.
"What about La Carlotta?" a bold chorus member demanded. La Carlotta was known for throwing massive tantrums when things did not go her way.
"La Carlotta will not be here, she is away in Italy at present time, and will return after the ballet has been completed. The ballet is French take on the Russian ballet, Tsar Kandavl. In Paris, it will be known as Le Roi Candaule. As it is a new production, most of the public will not have heard of it, and we must of course set the bar high. That is why, Mlle. Sorelli will star as Queen Nisia and M. Felix Rameau will be her counterpart, King Candaule. Mlle. Giry will take the part of Pythia and Alexander Ivanov will play Gyges. Mlle. Jammes and Mlle. Leon are being considered for the part of Clytia. Madame Giry, I leave the fate of this production in your hands. Gala night is in a fortnight. Good luck in rehearsals."
Without another word, the manager left the stage, which was now buzzing with excitement.
Some people whispered excitedly about having a ballet instead of another opera, others murmured about the Opera Ghost choosing the ballet, and the rest cluttered around Mme. Giry, begging her to tell them the story behind the ballet.
Since Antoinette had grown up in the ballet dormitories, she had become a gifted story teller and it was a talent that was enjoyed by the many ballet rats who lived in the opera house.

Two weeks later, everything was almost ready for Gala night. Everyone that is, but Meg.
Instead of practising for her role, Meg had been spending most of her time below the opera house with Erik, swimming.

"Stop splashing me!" Erik spluttered as a third wave hit him in the face. Meg giggled at the sight of the half naked man in front of her, wiping water out of his eyes. The two of them had agreed for comfort it was better for Erik to not wear his mask while swimming, and now Meg was starting to grow more comfortable with it.
Her eyes could not help but wonder over Erik's lean, but muscular upper body. She figured the muscles must be a result from all his rope climbing, building etc. that he did around the Opera House. Briefly she wondered what he was like.. down below.. Her face blushed at the scandalous thought.
While she was distracted with her thoughts, Erik snuck up behind her, and grabbed her around the waist. Meg squealed as he turned her around to face him.
He gazed into her blue eyes for a moment, then joint their lips in a heated kiss.
Meg felt sparks fly as Erik moved his lips against hers. After a few moments, the pair broke apart for air. When their eyes met, Meg blushed deeply, but Erik didn't noticed as he swooped in again.

...

"Marguerite Giry! That is the seventh time you have not landed that pirouette! Why have you been neglecting your practicing?!" Antoinette yelled from the side of the stage. Meg felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment as snickering began to start around her. feeling humiliated, Meg fled from the stage and into the waiting arms of Erik.

Erik held her as her rage and embarrassment began to cool, then he lead her into the chapel, and took her hand. Slowly and clumsily, he began to lead her into the dance she was supposed to know.

Within a few hours, Meg was back on her feet dancing as she always did, with grace and emotion. At the next rehearsal, she was sure to surprise everyone with her rapid improvement.
"I am sorry for distracting you from your dancing," Erik apologized.
Meg laughed, "it is far from your fault Erik." She smiled and tilted her head to kiss him. "I'll give them a shock tomorrow."
Erik smiled briefly before his lips met hers. "You sure will."

And she did. Meg's danceing improved massively, and even rivalled La Sorelli's talent. So when Gala Night came, Meg got more recognition and praise than she had ever received in her life, and she loved it. Of course, it was the praise from Erik that mattered to her the most, which is why she was eager to head to her dressing room not long after the performance was finished.

When she burst into the room, she was shocked to find it empty. On her vanity however, there was a yellow rose with a note attached.

Meet me on the roof at 11 tonight. Don't be late! ~ Erik.

A/N: Sorry if this chapter seem random and rushed... I felt bad for not updating sooner. I'll probably end up redoing this chapter, but unfortunately, a new chapter won't be posted until next weekend at the earliest. Hang in there, and please Favourite, Follow and Review. Thanks