A/N: Woo! My beta-buddy is AWESOME! I sent her the finished chappy last night and I found it in my in box this afternoon! You gotta love the woman! Thanks Nicole! Ok, back to business! A few months ago one of my readers gave a suggestion for me to use light colors for Erik's costume instead of dark. I couldn't get the image of Erik wearing white and gold out of my head ever since she suggests it! So I looked threw out my reviews and messaged to thank her but I couldn't find her screen name, so if your out there reading this – THANK YOU DEARIE!
Alrighty, here is the chapter you've all been drying to read, please R&R. Thanks to Bee27's awesome reviews and messages I couldn't help but write more!
Chapter Thirty Five
Part 1
"Masquerade, paper faces on parade! Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you!"
I shook my head. "Every year," I muttered. "Every damn year this bloody song must be sung!"
I was pacing behind the large column to the right side of the grand staircase with a half empty wine glass in my hand to steady my nerves. This was the third glass I'd consumed since everyone began to arrive - and it wasn't even 9 o'clock yet!
On the wall there hung a large mirror, and every time I paced it, I couldn't help but glare at myself. I felt like an utter fool! I observed the blond wig I wore with a critical eye; the wig was just as long as the actual length of my hair. It fell loose just below my jaw. I then fixed my cravat and took a step back to see an overall view of my costume. I kept the fit, design, and style close to the last costume I wore to the Masquerade years ago - Red Death. Only this time, my mask is white with gold lining, my fitted coat matches my mask and it too was white and lined with gold.
You went from darkness to light… the voices whispered quietly.
The buttons down my chest were gold along with my neck cravat. I decided to wear a cape, white with the inside lined gold. Instead of having it draped over one shoulder like I had done Red Death, I had it clipped to my coat.
"To think I'm wearing the same costume the damn character Dominic wears in the book!" I muttered before I gulped the remainder of the wine, rubbing the back of my neck. I felt ridiculous.
The night I confronted Josephine she left her book, A Tale of a Dark Love, in the prima donnas room. The author had a sketch of Dominic in very similar attire that I'm wearing. For some odd reason, I took the book with me. When
I decided to attend to this ridiculous party; I thought to come as Dominic
Salvanair. I drew the real version of the costume out on a piece of parchment, and then added changes here and there. Dominic had been wearing tights, as a man would be wearing in that time, but I was NOT going to wear tights to this party. I refused; therefore I drew in my own taste to the costume.
So now I'm standing here, wearing a blonde wig and wearing a gold and white costume. If I had a pistol I would shoot myself! I'm sure I will stand out like a sore thumb! Sneering at my reflection one more time, I stepped out of the shadow's to retrieve another glass of wine.
I sighed to myself and stepped from the column. I then snatched the first glass that floated past me on a silver try and took a gulp.
"Masquerade, seething shadows breathing lies, masquerade, you can fool any friend who ever knew you!" Everyone sang along.
"Well, that is what I am going for…" I whispered to myself as I searched for
Josephine. Perhaps I am not the only one that will stand out. Everywhere I turned, I saw costumes with lush reds, yellow-oranges, purples, and blues. I looked down at myself and cocked an eye brow; I looked really plain now that I compared myself to everyone. I shrugged my shoulders.
"Masquerade! Run and hide, but a face will still pursue you… Ugh," I groaned, purposely biting my tongue. "I'm singing along!"
"Josephine, wait for me!"
I turned around and saw little Olivia – dressed as a fairy – running up the grand staircase; her tiny fairy wings bobbing up and down as she went. I followed her direction up the stairs with my eyes and my breath caught in my throat…
In the middle of the staircase, Josephine was searching the crowd. Her long hair hung loose in ringlets over her right shoulder, and her mother's comb adorned the left side of her hair. A white peasant top with a plunging neck line showing off her… I swallowed hard. A black corset with red stitching was pulled tight around her waist; Josephine already had an hour glass figure, but the corset enhanced it. She also wore a velvet 'A' line skirt, along with the gold shawl I gave to her as a gift.
"Aminta," I breathed. I felt my heart beating fast in my chest as I looked upon Josephine. The girl was beautiful inside and out.
Woman… not a girl…
The voices were right, Josephine was no girl; her lush curves were proving of that - the curves of a woman. Josephine was now twenty-one, far from being a child. I even noticed the masked men standing around her were staring with gapped mouths. Of course, being Josephine, she didn't notice them.
Josephine scanned the room until something caught her eye. She smiled sweetly and waved. I followed her gaze and saw a man descending the dancing crowd.
"Monte'," I hissed.
Edward danced up the stairs and bowed deep towards Josephine. Monte' was dressed as a king, his crown was tilted towards one side and his red cape was wrapped around his right arm. It was obviously too long for him. Edward offered his arm and Josephine didn't hesitate to take it. It was then that I felt a tug in my left gloved hand. I looked down and saw that I had snapped the wine glace from the neck in two. I cursed under my breath, gulped the remainder of the wine and hid the broken glass in a plant nearby.
I kept to the wall, all the while watching Josephine dance with that fop of a boy. The entire time I grinded my teeth together feeling the jealously burn within me. It is me she should be dancing with, not him.
I forced myself to be patient, let Edward have his fun because it will end very soon…
"Bonsoir!"
I looked down to my left and a very tipsy woman was smiling at me. Her mask was crooked and her red lip wax was smudged.
"Bonsoir," I muttered looking away from her.
"I'm Véronique, wha'z your name?" she slurred.
I blinked in recognition, Véronique. This one was always giving my Josephine trouble, especially little Olivia. I could have fun with this one, I mused, feeling the devilish smile curve my lips.
"My name isn't important, but wait right here, Véronique-"
"You're very handsome, m-may I have a kiss?"
My brows lifted behind the mask I wore. That explains why her lip wax is smeared.
"Wait right here, I'll be right back." Before I could leave, Véronique grabbed hold of my sleeve.
"But what 'bout my kissss?" She breathed in my face.
I was repulsed. "Just wait right here, I'll give you one once I return."
"Allllright." She smiled stupidly at me and almost fell over. I steadied her against the wall and left to the tailor's department. I was back in no time with what I needed. Véronique was where I left her.
"Véronique, before I kiss you, I have some very special news to tell you first." I did my best to sound enthusiastic.
She looked up and looked at me with unfocused eyes. "Whaz that?"
"You have just become the new prima ballerina!"
"I-I did!" She hiccupped.
"Yes, do you see all of these people out there?" I pointed towards the dancing crowd. "Well, they're waiting to see you dance."
"They are? Well ge' out of m-my way. The show must go on!"
"But wait a moment." I grabbed at her arm before she fell. "You need proper attire." I smiled handing Véronique a tutu.
"Y-your," hiccup, "very kind."
Véronique took the tutu I gave her and went behind a column to change. When she emerged, Véronique was wearing a tutu two sizes too small with tears and holes all over it. The beginning tailors use those to practice on.
She pulled the legs of the tutu over her bloomers and over her corset and tunic; she looked absolutely absurd.
"Attention!" she called out stumbling. Everyone along with the orchestra ceased. "The Prima ballerina has a-arrived!" Véronique curtsied and tired to spin on point and ended up falling to her rear.
The crown erupted in laughter. I sought out Josephine and Olivia; they were both laughing to the point where their faces were red. I couldn't keep my own laughter inside, so I joined the rest. When I saw Antoinette step away from the crowd, I hid behind a column. She looked down at Véronique with a disapproving glare. Anne scooped the girl off the floor and led her away.
Once the music began, everyone started to dance a waltz. Josephine and a few other young women were admiring their costumes while Edward went for refreshments. I quickly walked behind the nearest column where the ladies where chatting.
"Oh, Josephine, your wrap is beautiful!"
"Merci, Torrance."
"Where did you get it?"
"It was a gift really. I didn't purchase it."
"What boutique, do you know? I would love to send one to my sister as a gift."
I heard Josephine's hesitation. I looked to the side of the column and saw her twisting the shawls tassels nervously.
"It is a shawl from Madam Syncline's boutique!" Olivia exclaimed.
The trio of woman gasped in ah of the shawl. I couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. Pride swelled up in my chest for once in my life.
"Did Edward buy it for you?"
My head snapped towards the woman who asked, and I glared at her, although she couldn't see me.
"No, of course not. It was a gift from-uh from…"
"Here is your drink my queen!" Edward popped up before Josephine and handed her a glass of punch.
"Merci," she breathed.
The topic of conversation was quickly changed, and for that Josephine seemed grateful. While they chatted, Edward would put his arm around Josephine's waist, and each and every time, she would remove it. My patience was waning. I waited until Edward placed his drink down on to the table that was beside him, and then I made my move. I took out the vile from my pocket – snatching Edward's glass - and emptied the content into it. Right when I placed it back, Edward reached for it and gulped the remainder of his wine.
"Perhaps this will teach you to keep your hands to yourself…" I chuckled darkly to myself. Within the next few minutes, Edward would be groping nothing but the porcelain loo in the water closet!
The effects took less time then I'd thought.
"Edward, are you alright?" Josephine asked, placing her hand on Edward's shoulder. Edward clenched at his stomach in pain.
"I'm not sure, excuse me a moment, will you?"
"Of course."
"Is he alright?" Olivia whispered.
"Edward ol' chap! Where are you going?" called a man from the crowd. The man looked very much like Edward, only older.
"It must be his brother…" I murmured eyeing him.
"Josephine, is that Jacques helping Edward?"
Josephine looked over her shoulder at the two men.
"Why, yes it is." Josephine put a hand over her heart. "Oh, dear… he doesn't look so well."
The older man went to assist Edward, throwing Edwards right arm over the shoulder of his brother.
"I'll go see if he is all right," Olivia offered and shuffled along.
I watched the scene from behind the column, satisfied. Before Olive could approach Edward and his brother, Edward ran over towards a large plant and heaved over it, emptying his stomach. Olivia skidded to a stop and covered her mouth. Edward's older brother exchanged a few words with Olivia and waved the door men to come and assist him. Olivia then came rushing to Josephine.
"Josephine! Edward has fallen ill, and Jacques is taking him home," Olivia panted, and then leaned in towards Josephine's ear. "He threw up in a plant!"
Josephine made a face and covered her mouth in disgust.
"I'm terribly sorry; Josephine, but I must take my brother home." Edward's older brother, Jacques sighed. "I told him not to have too much to drink…"
"But he only had the one glass of wine…"
"That's what you think!" Jacques chuckled. "He was so nervous tonight my father gave him a few drinks before we left home."
"I see…" Josephine murmured. "I do hope he feels better. Good night, Jacques."
"Good night, my dear."
As Jacques walked off, I saw Josephine shoulders sag, a disappointing gesture.
"Would you like me to stay with you, Josephine?" Olive asked.
"Non, Olive, go have fun. I'm sure I'll find someone to dance with in no time. Go on!" Josephine laughed, but I knew she was only acting for Olivia's benefit. Once Olivia was off and dancing in the arms of one of the male dancers from the corps, Josephine sagged against a far off corner.
"Now is my chance…"
I knew that if I wanted Josephine to notice me –or should I say Dominic - I needed to catch her eye. She must come to me.
I quickly went to the maestro of the orchestra – Monsieur Reye is home sick - and gave him a few paper bills, along with the sheets of music I wanted him to play for me. The music I had written was dark, yet was filled with longing and hope… Everything I was feeling now at this very moment. At first the crowd was taken aback by the sudden change of music, but not long they presumed their dance. The violin sang loudly along with the flute, mingling together, creating wave after wave of hypnotic music. When I looked at Josephine and saw the way she swayed with the rhythm, I knew I had her right where I wanted her.
I purposely went to the other side of the dancing crowd and walked slowly through it. I passed swirling gowns and glittering masks as I descended from the crowd. I saw Josephine double-take as her eyes settled to mine. Her amber eyes grew large and bright; I even say her breath catch in her throat.
I tried not to smile as Josephine blinked hard and shook her head from side to side. Obviously, I resembled Dominic too much. Josephine looked as though she were going to faint.
The violin quickened in its tempo, the bow grinding against the strings and singing high. The drums pounded hard, quick, and fluent – a long with my pounding heart beat. Josephine's eyes glazed over in a dream-like state, her red lips curved into a soft smile. At that moment, something within me tightened with heat as I noticed her lips…
I swallowed hard and proceeded walking towards Josephine. Once I was out of the dancing crowd, I stopped just outside the dancing circle. I observed Josephine observing me. I smiled a little and waited before her just for the effect and longing to swirl within her. Josephine took a tentative step towards me and then stopped.
I held out my hand and waited for her to come to me. This time, it was done without hesitation, and Josephine left her place against the wall and floated towards me. The tips of her fingers entwine with mine, and I pressed Josephine against me, inhaling her sweet sent.
I spun Josephine into a waltz and led her to the center of the crowd. I held her close, too close to be appropriate, but I didn't care. I saw eyes peering from behind the dancing masks around me, and I heard the whispering as well. 'Who is that man she's dancing with? Where does he come from? Who invited him?' In the Arts, everyone knows everyone; I can imagine the gossip that will be buzzing around the opera house in the morning because of this. Then again, with all the liquor and wine being poured, I should fear not.
All in all, I ignored them all the same.
As we danced, Josephine never took her glowing eyes off mine, and I kept her body close to mine as much as possible. I know that this will be the only chance she will willingly let me touch her like this… When I twirled
Josephine, I let my hand slide across her arm to catch her hand. I am glad I had removed my gloves. Josephine's skin was softer then silk…
Just as the music was ending, I caught a glimpse of Anne at the top of the grand staircase, no doubt searching for Josephine. I cursed under my breath and spun Josephine one last time. As Josephine's back was turned, I ducked behind another couple that were dancing and took to the shadows. I had no time to see the expression on Josephine's face; my focus was on Anne now.
"Josephine!" Anne waved from the stairs.
Once I was assured Anne hadn't seen me, I searched for Josephine. She stood in the middle of the crowd searching for me, of course.
"Josephine!"
Josephine looked over her shoulder. "Oui, Marraine?"
I moved closer.
"Véronique has fallen ill, and I must stay with her the rest of the night.
You will be alright by yourself, right? Josephine, who are you looking for?"
"Hmm? Oh, no one." Josephine gave a nervous laugh. "I will be fine. Perhaps
Véronique shouldn't have had too much wine."
"Well, she will definitely learn her lesson from tonight. Goodnight, my dear." Anne leaned in and kissed Josephine's forehead.
"Goodnight."
Once Anne went further up the stairs, I descended from the shadows. I should have been paying more attention to Josephine for she had spotted me and was heading my way.
"Blast!" I hissed and turned away.
"Wait!"
I was back behind the column I had hidden behind before the Masquerade had begun.
"Please, wait… is it really you?" Josephine breathed as she took me in with her eyes. "It has to be you..."
When I didn't answer, Josephine inched closer and reached up to run her fingers threw the blonde wig. I caught her hand before she could touch the fake hair. I held it to the side of my face. I inclined my head and inhaled her perfume that was on the inside of her wrest. Lavender and lilac.
"You're not going to bite me, are you?" Josephine giggled.
I raised an eyebrow underneath my mask. I do remember hearing Josephine murmur something about my canine teeth and vampires… I smiled wickedly to which Josephine paled. I then nipped hard at her inner wrist using my vampire incisors…
When Josephine gasped I placed a kiss where I bit her, letting my lips linger there only for a moment. Josephine smiled and placed the hand I held against my jaw. When she whispered the name Dominic, I felt my heart ache. A part of me wished for Josephine to whisper my name with such longing.
Josephine looks absolutely beautiful tonight. I haven't been this close to Josephine in weeks and I missed her dearly. I fought myself not to embrace her in fear that I would scare her with my intensity for contact, so I took her hand from my jaw and place a kiss on her knuckles. She smiled and blushed red as I did this. I realized then that I loved to see her blush. I found it adorable how her cheeks would redden and then glow. Josephine looked away bashfully and placed a hand against her flushed cheek.
"Will you not ask me to dance again?" she whispered.
I considered it. I wasn't going to stay too long here at the Masquerade, but since the music was softly playing and we were in a darken corner…
As I pulled Josephine close, she placed her hand in mine and the other on my shoulder, only it was I who closed the gap between us. Josephine understood and placed her head against my chest. I was positive she was able to hear my frantic heart beat. I tried to relax as I held Josephine in my arms. I closed my eyes and leaned my head on top of hers.
"Is this real? Are you real…?" Josephine murmured against my chest.
Forgetting myself, I whispered, "I am very much real, my dear."
My eyes snapped open when I realized what I had done. Josephine went still in my arms, and looked up, her eyes wide.
"Erik…?" Josephine asked in a broken whisper. She stepped away from me and was close to tears.
"Josephine, before you get upset let me explain-"
Josephine covered her mouth and muffled my name, "Erik?"
"Please, calm down-"
"ERIK!" she screeched, stomping one foot. She was furious.
"Josephine, please, let me explain!" I was desperate; I took two steps closer to her before Josephine shoved with all her might against my chest.
"Get away from me! How could you- h-how- you weren't-GRRR!" Josephine turned from me and pulled at her hair.
"I have every right to be here. It's a Mask, Josephine." I kept my voice natural; I didn't want to anger her further.
Josephine wiped at her face before she faced me, her hands were fists at her side and her face was red and blotchy. When Josephine opened her mouth, I was bracing myself for what she had to say, but then she closed it and ran off.
"Josephine!"
She weaved in and out of the dancing crowd as she ran past them. I went after her, knocking over a few people in the process. I was able to see
Josephine disappear behind the ladies powder room door before she closed it behind her. When I went to open the door, it was locked. I let my head fall against it with a loud thud.
I should never have come here! I should have stood in my library hating the world!
And where would that have gotten you…?
"Absolutely nowhere," I muttered closing my eyes. I suddenly heard a light tapping sound from behind me, and when I turned, I found Olivia Dechante' glaring at me. Miss 4'11 with her arms crossed over her chest and her slipper foot tapping at the marbled floor.
"I'm guessing you're the one Josephine has gotten close to over the holiday?"
I sighed hard, this was all I needed! A fairy! I clenched my teeth, not saying a word.
Olivia sighed to herself and came closer. "Whatever you said to her a few weeks ago, she is really hurt. You were upset because Edward took her to the Mask Ball, weren't you?"
I glared at her. How much do you know? I wondered, and then nodded my head, 'yes'.
"You wouldn't be responsible for Edward being sick, now would you?" Olivia raised her chin in wonder.
I couldn't help the smile that curved my lips.
I saw Olivia's eyes sparkle. "I knew it. I thought I saw you behind the pillar!" She laughed, and then sobered. "Whatever you did wasn't very nice,
Monsieur- Monsieur?"
"Erik."
"Erik what?"
"Just call me Erik."
I was shocked that I actually told this little runt my name. Something within me said I could trust her, at least with my name.
"Erik, that's very funny, do you know what your name means?" Olivia asked stepping even closer to me.
I was uncomfortable with her easy nature and took a step back myself.
"What is that?"
"The name Erik means ruler of men."
I lifted an eyebrow under my mask and smirked; sounds right enough.
"Pray tell, how did you come across this?"
"Well-"
"-Olive! Don't speak to him!"
I turned just in time to see Josephine coming out of the powder room. She had removed the wand from her mask and places her black domino onto her face. I blinked unused to seeing her face half covered. I the stepped aside and took a deep breath.
"Josephine, will you-
"-No, I will not," Josephine hissed. "Olive, come along."
"Is he the friend you were-"
"Yes, he was."
I heard the emphasis was and flinched. I swallowed my anger. I was tired of playing cat and mouse; I stepped forwards and took hold of Josephine hand before she got too far. She spun around and glared at me as she tried to pull her hand free.
"Josephine, stop this nonsense and let's talk."
"I have nothing to say to you."
"You are acting childish and you're obviously overreacting!" I barked losing my patience.
Josephine laughed without humor. "Childish?" Josephine stepped close enough so only I heard her words. Josephine's voice became venom as she hissed her words. "Who was the one to overreact when we last saw each other? I wanted to talk to you about what happened, but your Neanderthal behavior took over!"
I bit my lip to keep from speaking. The metallic taste of blood was in my mouth the longer I waited. Once I thought Josephine was done speaking, I open my mouth to speak, but she cut me off.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, this whore as to find someone with money…"
I flinched as though Josephine gave me a blow to the face. I stumbled away from her and watched as she turned on her heel and joined the Ball. Olivia then pulled Josephine to the side and whispered something in her ear.
Josephine then shook her head angrily and pointed in my direction before she stormed off. Little Olivia shrugged her shoulders and waved goodbye to me.
I let myself lean against the wall. I felt utterly drained and tired.
"She is never going to forgive me…"
You're not going to give up, are you…? asked the voice of reason.
"What else can I do? She won't talk to me!"
You, the Phantom of the Opera, giving up?
I stood silent, feeling sorry for myself.
Pity…
"What?"
If you're not going to fight for her, then you were never meant for her…
I was taken aback. "Like hell, I'm not! I know Josephine better then she knows herself!" I pushed myself off the wall I was leaning against and searched the grand foyer for Josephine. I spotted her dancing with one of the patron's, Monsieur Drake Eponce, a young Baron, whom women know as handsome.
"Don't worry about Josephine, she'll come around."
I looked down and found Olivia at my side. She smiled up at me. Her smile reached her big blue eyes, making them sparkle. I can see now how special
Olivia is to Josephine; the girl is reluctantly charming.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, I've never seen Josephine hold a grudge. Would you so willingly forgive the person who has hurt your feelings so easily?"
"Hmm, you are right. Perhaps I should give Josephine more time…"
I stood there silently watching the Baron dance with Josephine. My heart felt numb and the wine has lost its effect on me. I needed another drink.
"So…?"
"So, what?" I asked looking down.
"So, since we are both standing here, why don't you ask me to dance?" Olivia suggested clasping her hands behind her back. She then twisted her body from side to side so her skirt made a swish-swosh sound.
"What the hell," I muttered.
"Yay!" she clapped. Olivia took my hand and pulled me towards the others dancing and twirled about. I sighed leaning down to take her hand into mine.
"Alright, just don't step on my feet?" Olivia giggled.
"I'll try not to," I grumbled dryly.
As we danced, I was very uncomfortable leaning over the way I was. I decided to just stand still and let Olivia sway back and forth to the music. She giggled and twirled using my index finger as she turned about. I caught Josephine staring at Olivia in awe, then to me. Her expression behind the mask changed then.
I've never seen Josephine give such a sinister glare. She then purposely leaned in closer to the Baron and smiled flirtatiously. The man leaned even closer to Josephine and whispered something into her ear, and when he leaned up, Josephine was blushing red. She glanced in the corner of her eye to see if I was watching. I felt knots in my gut as I watched. She was doing this on purpose.
"Two can play at that game…"
A/N: WOO! Some ones getting jealous! What do you think Erik will do to get Josephine's attention? PLEASE R&R! Don't forget when you all send a review I can't help but get inspired and write more!