Hello readers!

Happy Easter! Okay, I know it's a bit early for that, but better be early than too late, no? lol. Maybe I will do some miniatures today, before I go to school tonight...I made some yesterday, I made a Easter basket with painted eggs. I will send pictures on my DeviantArt account, of which you can find the link on my profile where it says :Homepage :)

Alright, here's your chapter for today.

Enjoy,

Kaya

Chapter 26

All day long Catherine waited anxiously for the sun to finally take its leave from the sky, because she knew that she would get to see her beloved once the sun was set. She was looking forward to her evening with her beloved Phantom, one that would not be frowned upon since they were given permission. Catherine had absolutely no clue as to what Erik planned for their night out, no one would tell her, not even Raoul. Actually, she did not see much of the viscount that day… One thing for sure, whatever Erik had in mind, this would be a night to remember, she just felt it.

As night slowly made its way up the sky, Madame Giry came to her niece's bedroom with Christine. They carried everything Catherine would need to look absolutely perfect, from a new dress to many different accessories and powders. The gown was made of black and blue taffeta. It certainly was one of the most beautiful piece of clothing the young woman had ever seen, and she found it hard to believe it was for her.

-"You will look absolutely gorgeous in that dress." The viscountess grinned

Somehow, Catherine did not doubt her friend's words. The two other women helped her take off what she had been wearing all day and was led to the bathroom without as much as a word. She was given only silly smiles from Christine and kind ones from her aunt. After she bathed, Catherine began to put on the many layers of fabrics that consisted in the undergarments and dress.

Christine helped her friend with great pleasure, and though she was not entirely comfortable with the situation, she was glad her former teacher had found real love. Catherine deserved to be loved and happy as much as he did and, somehow, that fact comforted her into accepting their relationship better.

Elizabeth and the viscountess adjusted Catherine's dress on her, doing the laces in her back, then made sure there were no ripples on the fabric, to finally do the young woman's hair. They fashioned it like a true lady would, piling it up her head with a mother-of-pearl comb. When Catherine's hair was done, Christine went to retrieve a small box and gave it to her friend as a present for her first official date.

Catherine was speechless, but opened the box when she saw the viscountess' eager face. Inside was a tiny bottle of a very expensive perfume. The tag on it read –Muguet de Printemps- Spring lily of the valley, her mother's favorite scent. Madame Giry must have told Christine about this and Catherine was deeply touched by the gesture, thanking her friend with tears in her eyes, smiling to her aunt knowingly, earning herself a wink.

At eight o'clock precisely, the bell to the front door rang, making all three women start. Madame Giry went to answer as Christine put some powder to Catherine's already flushed cheeks and two drops of perfume in the hollow just under her ears.

-"You still want to go, right?" Christine asked with a smirk

-"More than ever." Catherine smiled, her eyes dancing with happiness

Erik was a nervous wreck as he waited in the hall, Madame Giry by his side. He knew fully well she was not only there to greet him, but also to keep him from running upstairs to get Catherine himself… He was in such a hurry to take her out. He dreamed of this all his life, being able to take the woman he loved on evenings. It just felt so…normal, so…wonderful.

Footsteps caught his attention and, as he looked up, Erik saw Catherine gracefully descending the stairs. His jaw dropped. She was the picture of perfection, she had the elegance of a duchess of better of, of a queen! His heart broke in awe at her dark beauty and the thought she chose him as the man she loved. And she said yes, he thought, a smile appearing on his half masked face. The dress she wore made her look so different, but in a delightful way and he was dying to just kiss her breath away.

-"Bonsoir." Catherine whispered, taking him back on Earth

Christine and Madame Giry looked at each other and nodded in approval, silently deciding to leave these two alone. Yes, they are good together, they both thought at the same time.

When she was absolutely sure that neither her friend nor her aunt was near, Catherine closed the space between Erik and herself. She looked deeply into his amazing eyes, giving him the warmest smile. Her ears told her that the two other women were far enough, so she boldly kissed her dear Phantom's lips, making him smile back against hers.

-"You are breathtaking, my love." He whispered, kissing her once more

Finally, after Catherine had put her cloak on, they made their way out of the manor, arm in arm and the sight waiting for the young woman took her completely by surprise. At the gates was a beautiful white carriage with a coachman waiting for them, opening the door with a bow as soon as they arrived. The Phantom helped his beloved inside and he sat across from her with a silly grin. It served at making Catherine even more excited about that outing.

-"Will you tell me where we are going now?" She asked, smiling from ear to ear

-"You know just how much I enjoy mysteries." He said mischievously, quite proud with himself

Catherine crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, but never stopped smiling. Erik smirked, finding this little game very amusing, especially since his beloved had a tortured expression on her pretty face. The suspense was gaining on her nerves and he had to make real efforts not to burst into laughter. From time to time, she would look his way and crack a smile, then would laugh and sigh. He had never seen her being so impatient, it was so much fun to watch. Yet, he found that he was pretty much in the same state of impatience and, somehow, it felt really good.

After about forty minutes, the carriage came to a stop. Erik was the first to come out and helped the young woman join him on the cobblestone ground by lifting her by the waist. He blushed under his mask and he was absolutely sure Catherine noticed. He pulled on his hat in hope to hide his masked face a bit better and cleared his throat.

Gently, Erik took hold of her hand and draped it around his arm in a gentlemanly manner, before they slowly headed toward his surprise. He had asked Madame Giry to tell the coachman to leave them down the street to their final destination so he could enjoy a short walk in Catherine's company. Walking with the woman he loved at his arm was pure joy and it was a pity this could not linger longer. Looking at his pocket watch, Erik found that he had been right, the trip in the couch had taken longer than initially planned…some miscalculation on his part…

-"I fear we will have to walk a bit faster, my love, or we shall miss the beginning of the play…" He exclaimed, increasing their pace slightly

-"The play?" She gasped, having some trouble following him. "You're taking me to the theater?"

As his only answer, Erik grinned as he guided her through the impression golden doors to the well know establishment. They slowed once they were inside and as the ticket office came in sight, the Phantom stopped their advance. Embarrassed, he took an envelop from his cloak and gave it to his puzzled beloved.

-"Can you…would you be so kind as to give the tickets for me…please?" He asked in a whisper, frowning

-"Of course." She smiled reassuringly

Once the task was done, they were taken to their private box. Erik had Madame Giry rent it for them and he had to pay a small fortune since he asked for it on such short notice, but it was worth it. The Phantom helped his lady out of her cloak and removed his, sighing as they were finally out of anyone's curious sight. He had to admit that he did look suspicious, since he did not remove his hat when they entered the theater, as any gentleman would. He just could not risk anyone recognizing him from his…reputation…

Just as they sat in the red velvet seats, the play began. Catherine's all attention was on what was happening on stage. The play was in English and even though she was still learning the language, she found that the title to this particular play was far from being hard to find.

Verona…Montague…Capulet…

Catherine smiled widely. There were no more doubts, Erik had taken her to a representation of Romeo & Juliet.