Before Rose and Addie knew it, the dance was only around the corner. Addie and her mother bought a dress, although they were being incredibly secretive, even to Rose on what the dress would look like, claiming that it would be a surprise. Rose needed a formal for the event, and when Addie learned of this, intended to go to the theatre as well. Addie's mother obliged to taking them, as she had some shopping that needed to be done in the area.
As Rose and Addie entered the theatre, Rose asked her, "So, what's up? Did you come to help pick out my outfit or do you have something else you need to do?"
"Oh, I-um…" Addie stumbled, "I didn't come to help with your dress, but…I can, if you want me to."
"No, no, that's fine," Rose grinned. "I just wanted to know what the plan is."
Addie looked around dramatically to make utmost certain that there were no one else near. She led Rose into the costume room, and checked over it a few times to check if anyone else was there. Then, she came close to Rose, whispering in her ear, "I was…going to ask Ron to do dance."
"Oh is that all?" Rose smiled, "Go get him, Cupid!" She said encouragingly.
"Hush! Someone might hear you." Addie responded, embarrassed.
As if on cue, Ron entered the costume room with a stack of costumes, all of different colors and styles. Sequence covered many of them, giving them a gaudy, yet beautiful appearance.
"Now, what are you ladies up to?" He called to them. "Picking out costumes, huh? Here's some more to chose from." He hung them up, seemingly ignoring Addie's red face and Rose, doing her best to stifle a laugh.
Rose, wanting to leave Addie alone with Ron said, "I'll be back later, you guys, I've got to run to the lady's room."
"Wait, Rosie!" Ron called out to her, "Sometime today, I want to talk to you…" he glanced at Addie, "alone."
"Maybe," Rose said, "If I can find time out of my outlandishly busy schedule." She chuckled at herself for quoting him, and headed out of the room.
Rose was uncertain as of how long she should wait before heading back. All of a sudden, she heard a voice, singing. She instantly recognized it as the "Phantom" she had heard before. The song was intricate and breathtaking. It sounded operatic and Rose guessed that it was sung in Italian; although, she was uncertain. Similarly to before, it made her feel as though she was hypnotized and she thought little of all around her. All of a sudden, the trance suddenly ended as she heard a loud door slam, and the sound of foot steps nearing Rose. Addie entered the hallway adjacent to the bathroom, where Rose stood.
"Are you alright?" Rose asked Addie.
Addie slumped, "He turned me down, said there was someone else he was interested in."
"Oh no, I'm sorry."
"Is it you?" Addie asked abruptly. "Does he like you?"
Rose nearly choked, "Gosh no, why would he?"
"Oh, I was just wondering, I guess. If he did though," Addie stared at Rose, "Or if you liked him, it wouldn't be so bad. I wouldn't mind so much as if it were some other girl."
Rose gave Addie a light hug, "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Addie tried to look cheery, though failing miserably. She coughed a moment and wiped her eyes. "I guess that spiel left you without a chance to pick out an outfit. You can go find one now, I don't mind."
"Are you sure?" Rose asked.
"Rose, honestly, I want you to go pick out your dress. Pick out something great."
"Okay, I will. But, I promise I'll be quick."
Addie nodded, and Rose walked away. Soon, she once more heard the voice, this time beckoning her to follow it. Rose felt herself becoming angry, "Mr. Phantom!" Rose called out, staring at the ceiling, as she knew no other place to look. "I don't have time for games right now, got it? So let's sing or talk or whatever it is you want to do another time, I need to pick out a dress and get out of here!"
To her astonishment, she heard a sigh, "Of course, my dear."
She stumbled into the costume room, feeling tired to the core. 'What is up with this place? I've never heard of a prankster like this!' She picked up the first dress she saw, it was a vivid blue, with small bows lining the front. It was covered in frills, with an especially large bow in the back. The lining and material of the bust were a pastel pink. Rose instantly liked it; although it seemed childish, she had always loved such dresses. She mindlessly slipped it over her shoulders, there were no mirrors around. But she could tell that it fit well enough. 'At least I'm lucky in this aspect,' Rose decided. She headed back to Addie, dress in hand. As they exited the theatre, Rose clean out forgot Ron had wanted to talk with her.
"Rose…" The Phantom thought of her, simply pushing off his voice for "another time". He didn't feel angry, as one might think he would be. He was simply amused. He realized suddenly that what he was doing would not gain her trust. 'I must change my methods; she must realize that I am not playing an elaborate joke. I must be more firm, but make her depend on me. I must create a way for improved communications.' The Mysterious figure decided.