Chapter 25: Masquerade Ball
Lessons had been cancelled for the rest of the week because there was too much work being done during the day and night, that she would be heard too easily. Christine was a little glad because she did not quite know how to tell Erik that she was going to the ball with Phillipe. Although Erik was less tempermental when Phillipe's name was spoken, Christine still did not know how to make Erik understand why she was going with the Count.
Friday afternoon Christine and with the help of Collette, put herself together for the evening. The day moved by so fast for Christine, she wished it wasn't evening yet. Collette piled Christine's hair in an intricate design then helped Christine slip into the dress and gloves. Collette gave the white mask to Christine and took a step back to see the overall view.
"That is the most beautiful dress, indeed!" Collette exclaimed.
"But it is cut quite low in the front."
"Oh hush, you look simply devine!" Collette clasped her hands together with a wide smile. "You will be the bell of the ball."
A knock at the door made her feel uneasy because she knew who was on the other side ready to escort her to the ball. "Phillipe," Christine plastered a smile as Collette opened the door.
Phillipe was taken back, "Christine you look absolutely beautiful! No, more than beautiful! May I say that that dress does you justice!
"Thank you, Phillipe," Christine nodded, "Um, Phillipe, this is Collette, a friend."
Phillipe kissed Collette's hand, and Collette giggled at the handsome man in front of her. "It is a pleasure, Mademoiselle," he then turned to Christine, "Shall we go?" Phillipe wore a naval uniform made of blue material with brass buttons on the front. A sword hung at his side with glossy knee high boots. A huge black hat with a white feather sticking out to the side, sat on top of Phillipe's head. A black and white mask covered his face which added that dashing, handsome touch to his attire. He caught Christine off guard, he was quite handsome tonight. Phillipe held out his arm for her to take and led her down and into the carriage.
The streets were busy and noisy with the bustle of the anniversary party. Those who were not at the ball partied in the streets. This was a big event, the Paris Opera House was a big part of everyone's life in Paris and it was to be celebrated with joy, honor and beer.
They approched the front of the opera and Phillipe escorted Christine out of the carriage. The carriage disappeared down the street. Massive amounts of people stood on the stairs outside and the buzz of the talk flooded the air. As Phillipe and Christine climbed the stairs they were eyed upon, some questionable, some curious, some jeering and some delighted.
They entered to music, dancing, drinking, halloring, laughter, and cheering. It took Christine's breath away at the quantity of people. She felt like an ant trying to work its way through a crowd of people, without getting stepped on. Their names were announced, but was not heard over the loud celebrating.
Phillipe introduced Christine to a lot of aroisocrats, counts, dukes, and lords. All of them eyed Christine with flattering eyes, which made her uncomfortable. She listened politely as Phillipe told jokes and carried on conversations with his friends, but she grew board. She quickly excused herself, then wormed her way to the a clearing, by the table of food. She looked at all the food with awe and was afraid to touch it and mess it up. She was distracted when she heard her name called and left the delicious designs alone.
"Christine?" She turned to see a man in a gold and black striped costume, she squinted her eyes at his face that was hidden and suddenly beamed a smile as she recognized who it was.
"Gerard! You look fabulous!" She took Gerard's hands and examined his attire.
"Christine I have never seen you more beautiful! How are you this fine evening?"
After pulling away from his embrace she said, "It is quite amazing. I've never seen so much celebration. I see you decided to come."
"Yes, well it was last minute, I wasn't even thinking of coming because I couldn't find a costume that appealed to me."
"You look dashing," Christine's eyes were distracted by a dashing, tall man standing at the end of the table. Several young ladies eyed him as they passed by. He was dressed in a fine suit of black. Running down the sides of his pants, were golden, glistening beads and sequences. The lepels and pockets of his jacket were outlined with the same beaded pattern and color. Gold decorative buttons shined down the front of his jacket and set his eyes aglow. He wore a black mask, with gold beads and sequences, yet again, that outline the eye slits and edges. To finish the costume, a large brimmed black hat rested upon his head with a black feather shooting out. The hat was tipped down slightly over his face. It took Christine's breath away at how handsome he was.
Christine turned back to Gerard in disbelief, "How did you ever get Erik to come and in a costume?!"
"It took a lot of arguing. It was hard enough to get him to come let alone wear a costume. I thought it would be a wonderful idea, because here he wouldn't look out of place if he wore a mask. He could see how the other half lives for a change," they both looked over at Erik then back at each other. "I left Erik with a young gentleman his age. The Monsieur is very political and loves to talk about it." Gerard laughed, "I do not think Erik was too happy with me!"
Christine laughed, "Maybe I should rescue him."
"It would certainly give me better odds," Gerard kissed her hand, "have a wonderful time tonight," then he went off to visit with some friends.
Christine watched until she could no longer see Gerard, then looked in the direction of Erik. She giggled, then glided over to him, "There you are!" She said melodramatically, "I have been looking all over for you! It was not easy either, one can never tell when one wears a mask."
Erik looked at Christine and was stunned.
"Well, well," smiled the other man. "You must introduce me to this most beautiful young lady," he bent down and kissed her hand, "I am Pierre DeVyne, and may I say, I am most honored to make your aquaintence."
"Christine Daee," Christine laughed at such charm Pierre was throwing at her.
"Christine Daee," Pierre thought, "Are you not the --"
"Yes. I am afraid I will be known for having the shortest lived debut ever on the stage."
"I was there that night. A terrible thing. The chandolier came so close to hitting me. I, of course, jumped out of the way in the nick of time."
Christine gasped in fake terror at his gloating, "I must say that is most dreadful, Sir, most dreadful indeed."
Pierre turned to Erik, "Were you there that night, Gaston?"
Christine looked up at Erik and almost burst into laughter at his fake name.
Erik shifted his weight and cleared his throat, "Um--I was there. You might say I was closer than you think."
Christine tried hard not to laugh.
Pierre then asked, "And how did you view Mademoiselle Daee's short debut?"
He looked at Pierre, "She could use a little work on her croaking."
Christine burst into laughter, "And how, Sir, do you think I could accomplish what you say?"
Erik was silent for a moment then thought of a way of escape, "If the Mademoiselle would care to dance, I might have a few suggestions."
Christine beamed a smile, "If you will excuse us," she nodded to Pierre, then was led to the dance floor. Erik took her lightly in his arms and they danced to the cheery music. "Gaston!" Christine laughed out loud, and Erik could not help but smile.
"I did not pass as a Gaston?"
"Certainly not. You are just as much as a Gaston as I am a Bernadette."
Erik laughed lightly, "I guess that is true," his eyes softened, "how enchanting you look."
"Thank you, You are most handsome," Erik scoffed but Christine gave a stern look for him not to protest the compliment. "I awefully glad you came. It would not have been the same without your presence."
"Merci," a slight smile appeared on his face then disappeared. "Is it proper for a young lady to leave her escort at a dance?" he almost spit the word 'escort' out, but tried his best not too.
Christine frowned, "I knew you would find out. I could not bring myself to tell you, I am sorry for that. But I know that Phillipe is well occupied by his friends. I'd much rather be with my friends," they danced in silence. Christine did not want the pleasent evening to turn into a nightmare, so she smiled and jested, "I see you are not wearing your cape."
Her mysterious partner smirked, "I find that people with cloaks at balls are much too noticable. I would much rather be unnoticed."
Christine smiled seeing his small grin, "Cape or not, you have been the target of many flirty eyes from several beautiful mademoiselles.
"Well my eyes are only on one Mademoiselle."
Christine's heart fluttered. The heart that beat for him, but he could not bring himself to understand. She knew that it was still hard for him to believe that someone could love him. If there was some way she could make him understand, make him believe that she absolutely loved him. Love him completely, and was only his for ever and ever. Her thoughts were interrupted.
"Excuse moi," a voice said from behind Christine, "my apologies, but may I ask you Monsieur if I could dance with Madeoiselle Daee?" She turned to see Phillipe smile.
Christine's heart almost stopped. The two rival enemies were so close to one another. Hopefully, Phillipe would not recognize this. Christine looked up at Erik, afraid of what she would see. His jaw was clenched, but he was as pleasant as he could be. He knew it was Phillipe. Erik took a breath, then said quietly, "By all means, we just finished," Erik turned to Christine, bowed then disappeared quickly.
Christine plastered a fake smile on her face as Phillipe took her in his arms and whirled her about the dance floor. The uneasiness filled Christine again. The restlessness. Being so close to Phillipe was uncomfortable. She wished that Erik would not have given her up, but it was for the best. She prayed desperately for the waltz to end.
Her wish was granted and she quickly pulled away from Phillipe's nerving touch. Bowing her head shortly, she thanked him for the dance and joined in on the polite ripple of claps for the orchestra.
Instead of another song, an older gentleman came center of the grand staircase. He had a touch of silver in his haselnut hair. A well-trimmed mustache and rosy cheeks to add to his jolly being. He was plump with a gold and rather ridiculous costume piece. Gold knee-high briches and white stockings. Glittering dress shoes with big buckles on the front. He wore a red, green, black and white vest that over lapped his plump waist. An astonishing shiny gold dress coat was worn over top with an enormous collar that consumed his fat neck. Then lastly, his elaborate gold mask, with white feathers framing the top, covered the top half of his face.
"Madame's and Moniser's, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming this evening, we hope you've enjoyed yourselves in celebrating this joyous event of the twentith anniversary of the Opera House," Monsieur Luv' Monte stopped as a ripple of applause responded to his speech. "Thank you, thank you. Well, this evening I have been informed that a young talented singer has returned to our humble Opera House. She hasn't been here for two years, but now, if she would be so kind as to sing us a song, I imagine we would all be grateful. If you would please welcome Mademoiselle Daee who was escorted by the Count DeChandon."
A heavier aplause cheered as Christine looked up at the manager from the crowd. With wide eyes she looked at Phillipe.
"I told him." He gloated.
"Why?!" She half shouted in terror.
"I over-heard you singing on the stage, it was astounding! How come you did not tell me that you could sing again?!"
"Phillipe, how dare you surprise me like this!"
Phillipe was confused, "I did it for you. You should be heard."
"I do not want to sing!" She protested in a high-pitch voice.
"Please? You will please us all, and don't tell me you cannot sing because I heard you. Sing anything you like, the audience will love you. Go on," he practically pushed her toward the stairs.
She slowly walked up the stairs and bowed nervously to the manager.
"Saints be praised, you are as lovely as a spring flower!" Monsieur Luv 'Monte took her hand when she joined him on the stairs and kissed it.
"Thank you, Monsieur, but I'm afraid I have nothing to sing."
"That's all right. Just pick a song that comes to your mind and sing. The orchestra will back you up," he turned to the audience, "Please welcome, Mademoiselle Christine Daee," he clapped as he walked down the staris, leaving Christine standing there like a nervous statue. Fidgetting with her hands she looked up at the audience.
"I seem to be a little lost for songs."
A ripple of chuckles breezed through the crowd as they watched the young singer trying to figure out a song. All she wanted to do was run down the stairs and pounce on Phillipe. He did not do this for her. He did it for him. It would be him who discovered her, if she would become a big success. Oh, Erik, I need you! her head screamed. Erik, that brought a small ounce of peace to her thundering heart. The heart that belonged to him. She was his, he was her true love. Suddenly her face brightened as she remembered a song. She turned to the awaiting audience. She nodded with a smile, then turned to the conductor and nodded.
Christine turned to face her listeners. Swallowing hard, she breathed in a deep breath, hoping that this song would make Erik realize how much she loved him. That she really loved him. This song, he would remember it well. Very, very well. For it was the song she sang to him the time she asked him to take off his mask, two years ago. Closing her eyes she opened her mouth....
"My true love, lost in a shadow play I will find a way, through fear and doubt I will find you out, in the secret places you hide about..."
Opening her eyes, she scanned the crowd desperately searching for the black mask that belonged to Erik. Not finding him, she continued with her song, a little louder and with more confidence, attempting for him to hear it wherever he was...
"No, my love. More than a fantasy, you must be for me. I'll hear your voice and I'll see your brow, and I'll know your face like your music..."
The conductor played a soft melody that fit well with the tune. Christine, still searched for Erik, her eyes glanced at Phillipe, his smile beaming, thinking she was singing this song for him, not knowing that it was for someone else.
"Can you hear me now? Can we make a vow? Ever to be faithful, I will show you how...."
There! In the back of the room, in the shadows of the corner stood a man with a black mask and black attire. All that could be seen was his glowing golden eyes. He was barely visible to the regular eye, but Christine knew to search more carefully if she wanted to find him. Her face brightened as she kept her eyes on him. He was listening to every word, as she continued to sing...
"...My true love, open and turn to me what no one can see. Your deepest dreams of your darkest nights and your eyes like lights ever burning! I will
hear your voice and I'll see your brow, let me know your face let me know it...Now! Now!"
He remembered her song all too well. He remembered her arms wrapping around his chest from behind, gliding up and down, causing him to lose all strength in his legs and fall helplessly to his knees. One hand lay passionately on his shoulder, entwined in his fingers. The free hand ran through his hair then down his neck. His eyes were shut in a dreamy state. His heart raced, his body grew hot and cold. He breathed heavily at the sound of her voice. Erik felt the same sensational feeling he did two years ago. He stepped forward, holding her eyes with his, grasping every word she sang with perfection. She belted out with all her heart, so that his heart fluttered as she pleaded with him.
"My true love! Lost in a shadow play, I will find a way, through fear and doubt I will find you out, let me know your face, let me know it...Now!
With more intensity.
"Now!"
Then with all of her heart and soul,
"Now!!!"
The song ended with thunderous applause and wild cheering. Christine did not acknowledge the crowd at once. She still held Erik in her sight. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as her heart raced. She could see his eyes widen and flicker with a gold flash and his chest rising and falling rapidly. She read the question his eyes were asking, and with a smile she slightly nodded and mouthed the word "Yes", intending for only him to see; but it wasn't hidden too well.
Phillipe looked at Christine with puzzled eyes, She's not looking at me. Who is she looking at? He followed her eyes over the crowd and saw who Christine was looking at. The Phantom. He knew it instantly.
He growled with fury, knowing now that the song was ment for his rival. He had to win her back. He turned back sharply to Christine who now acknowledged the applause by bowing gracefully.
As the manager joined Christine onto the stairs clapping wildly, Phillipe again looked to the back of the room. He's gone! You can't hide forever, Phantom. I'll find you and when I do, I'll kill you!
DA DA DA!!!!!!