DISCLAIMER: The characters do not belong to me…they are all the creations of the wonderful Stephenie Meyer. All are human.

The Opera

Edward was so nervous about tonight. It was only increasing my own anxiety. What if the play wasn't all he had dreamed it would be? What if I wasn't dressed right? Or what if I said something stupid? What if I tripped inside? What if I couldn't follow along? Watching a musical on television is nothing like being in a real theater … How did I let Alice convince me to do this?

'Get a grip, Bella!' I chastised myself. This was Edward's dream. It was going to be fine.

I snuck a glance at him through my eyelashes. His face was blank, but his hand was still frantically rubbing up and down my arm. Part of me wanted to laugh and part of me wanted to scream. We were both getting worked up for what would probably be nothing.

"I'm making you nervous, aren't I?" he asked softly.

I looked up at him. His eyes were soft, but still filled with anxiety. I shrugged, not sure of how to respond. He was, but I didn't want him to worry about me. This night was about him.

He kissed my temple and hugged me. "I'm sorry."

"Edward, don't apologize. It's fine."

"You are so wonderful to me. I can hardly believe my luck."

"I feel that way all the time with you," I chuckled. "But I promise, it's really okay. I know this is a very big deal for you."

We made our way into the theatre lobby and I sighed at the warmth of it. Edward took his coat off and hung it over his arm. I had been so focused on getting him dressed and keeping him calm I hadn't really noticed him. But boy was I seeing him now!

Edward in a tux was the most sinful thing I had ever seen in my young life. I couldn't understand how the hell he could look hotter fully clothed than coming out of that bathroom shirtless this morning. I must have been staring because he was suddenly chuckling in my ear.

"Breathe, Bella."

I took in a deep breath and grabbed his arm, steadying myself. I must have been transfixed with him longer than I realized because I was dizzy. "Sorry," I muttered.

He chuckled again. "It's quite all right. That's how I felt when you came out of the bathroom earlier. Are you steady enough to walk down some steps?"

"Only if you hold onto me."

"I don't intend to ever let you go, Bella."

I looked up at him, uncertain if he meant just right now or something much more permanent. His green eyes gave nothing away as they were still filled with the same nervousness and excitement that had been there all day.

Edward moved to my side and held out his arm. I wrapped both of mine around it, giving him my best smile. He kissed my cheek softly.

"Thank you for this, Bella."

"Anything for you, Edward," I said, purposefully using his words.

I took my first real look at the Majestic Theatre. I could certainly see where it got its name. The walls, the carpet, the chandelier … it was all very elegant and chic.

There were already a number of people milling about even though the show wouldn't be starting for another thirty minutes. They must have been just as excited as Edward.

"Let's find out seats. I don't want your feet to be tired before we even get to Times Square," he whispered as he led me through another set of doors.

I shook my head, once again surprised by him. He seemed to always be finding some way to take care of me or look out for me. My eyes tried to mist up, but I fought them; I would never be able to explain how I was feeling and I did not want Edward to think my tears meant anything bad.

As we passed through a set of large oak doors, I got my first glimpse of the theater. I gasped at the sight of it. It was beautiful. The lights were turned down just enough to bring out the soft colors in the walls and stage curtain. The word 'elegant' kept floating through my mind.

The actual stage and seating area was humongous! Or at least it seemed that way to me. I could only compare it to the small drama theater at my college. Edward guided me down the steps and slanted floor, making sure there was no way for me to fall over.

Our seats were right up in front of the stage. He stopped for a moment on the way to point out the area where the orchestra would be sitting.

When we got to our seats, I turned so I could see everything better. I'd had to keep my eyes on my feet on the way down. Now that I could see without fear of falling, I wanted to memorize every detail of this place.

There were box seats up top. There were areas to the left and right of us. And there was other seating sections raised above the very back rows.

"Edward, are these good seats?" I asked, nervously. What if Alice had picked up bad seats and it ruined his experience?

"These are excellent, Bella. We'll be right up front with no one to block our view. And the sound of the music behind us will only enhance the experience. You have nothing to worry about."

I let out the breath I had been holding. Of course Alice knew what she was talking about. What was I doing doubting her?

I turned to look at him. All of his nervousness was gone. He was just happy and excited now. The sight of him happy melted away all of my own anxiety. I relaxed in the chair, leaning my head on his shoulder.

The curtain drawn over the stage was a deep red and looked to be heavy. I wondered if anyone was standing behind it yet, or if they were all getting ready still.

When the orchestra started to test their instruments, I started to get excited. I looked up at Edward and smiled happily.

"It's almost time, love," he said. His own smile could rival any shooting star.

I had to do something to get out some of what I was feeling or I would explode from it all. I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly. He laughed as he hugged me back, kissing my hair.

"I think my excitement has infected you," he whispered.

"I think everything about you infects me. But yes, this right now is probably your excitement rubbing off on me." I forced myself to let him go and sit still in my seat.

"Do you know this story?"

"Who doesn't! It's so darkly romantic. The love between Raoul and Christine … The Phantom loves her too, but only as a prize. He focuses on how he feels. I do feel a little bad for him, but I just think if you really love someone, you would do anything for them. That includes walking away if it's what's best."

"Love can be an all-consuming force that blinds those with the best of intentions."

He stopped talking and just stared at me for a long while. I blushed, feeling a little self-conscious under his gaze. He ran his thumbs over my cheeks, smiling me.

"Thank you for this night, Bella."

"No problem, Tutor-boy," I giggled, trying to ease my nerves.

What was wrong with me tonight? My emotions were all over the place. Being in love with someone was like a rollercoaster ride. But I doubted I would ever want to get off as long as Edward was riding with me. He gave me that crooked grin with the dimples and my heart lurched. Total roller coaster ride and I was definitely strapped in for life!

The lights flickered and the buzz of the crowd dropped immediately. I looked at Edward to find out what was going on.

He leaned down and whispered to me. "They're getting ready to start. The lights will dim soon and the orchestra will start to play. Then the curtain will rise and the night will begin."

I nodded my head as I took his hand into my lap. I was going to have to behave tonight. I couldn't take his attention away from the play. I would have to save all of my questions for after. That was going to be pretty hard to do, but I would manage for Edward.

The lights dimmed and the music started just as he had described. I watched the curtain, waiting to see the slightest movement. It finally started moving, folding up on its self as it headed toward the top of the stage. There was nothing to see yet as the stage was completely dark.

The orchestra started to play and the music swelled until it seemed every inch of the theatre was draped in sound. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling of it washing over me and filling my ears.

I felt Edward's lips at my ear and heard a soft thank you over the roar of the music. I smiled so wide, my cheeks hurt. I wanted to squeal and stomp my feet to show just how unbelievably happy I was that this was going so perfectly for him. But I resisted the urge and just squeezed his hand instead.

The lights came up on the stage and all thoughts of doing anything other than paying absolute attention were stricken. The music, the movements, the voices … it was amazing. There was so much to look at that I kept feeling like I was missing some part of it. No wonder people came to see the same show multiple times! You could probably watch it twenty times and still find something you'd missed.

The show was two and a half hours long with a fifteen minute intermission, but it seemed like it was over before it started. I had laughed, cried, felt my heart soar for Christine and Raoul, and then was saddened by the way things ended. Watching it at home was truly nothing compared to this.

When intermission had finally come, Edward had spent most of it doubled over in laughter. He couldn't keep up with all of the questions I kept firing at him. I had truly been curious at first, but after that, I just wanted to keep him laughing. There was no other sound on Earth that could compare to it. I made sure to stop before the time was up so he would be okay when the curtain rose again.

When the play was over, he led me out of the theater and toward our hotel. I started with my questions again and Edward put his hand over my mouth, smiling at me.

"If you don't stop to breathe, I'm afraid you'll pass out. Besides, I was under the impression you wanted to get to the restaurant to watch the ball drop."

I nodded my head, his hand still on my mouth.

"If I remove my hand, will you be calm?" he asked, grinning.

I nodded my head again.

He took it away and moved it to my cheek. "I'm glad you're so excited, Bella. But I really would feel better if you slowed down and breathed a little more."

"I'll see what I can do about that," I chuckled. "Did you enjoy it?" I asked, biting my lip.

He laughed softly as he brushed his finger over my lip, getting me to stop biting at it. "It was more than I ever dreamed it would be. Thank you."

"It was amazing. The sights, the sounds … It was unreal! I won't be able to describe it properly at all!"

He laughed and hugged me to his side, getting us moving again.

"Do we have time to change?" I asked. The back strap of my heel was starting to chafe my skin.

"Depends on how quickly you can change."

"I guarantee you once you unzip this dress I will be out of it and these heels and into jeans and sneakers before you get those cufflinks off."

I wasn't sure what exactly I had said, but something about it made Edward suck in a breath. I looked up and he was biting his lip while staring at me, his green eyes smoldering. I knew that look. That was the look he'd had in his room when he'd had me up against the door. Not a good look to be having right now.

I tugged on his arm, keeping him moving. He was chuckling softly as we made our way into the hotel lobby. There were security guards everywhere now and Edward had to show our key card a few times before we could make it to the elevators.

He opened the door to our room and I ran as fast as my heels would allow. I plopped down onto the sofa and freed my feet, sighing deeply once the shoes were off.

I jumped up and ran to Edward. He was in the middle of unhooking his tie. I stood in front of him, turning my back to him.

"Unzip me!" I ordered.

He laughed as he reached out and took the zipper in his fingers. I was expecting it to be quick and then done. What I got was Edward's fingers trailing slowly down the skin he revealed as he pulled on the zipper. I was biting the inside of my lip and praying not to draw blood or moan. Either one would lead to trouble in some way.

He kissed the nape of my neck. "Done."

"Understatement," I muttered as I ran for the bathroom.

I'd left my bag in there earlier. I slipped out of the dress, putting it back on its hanger. I found my jeans and started yanking them up my legs.

"Bella."

I was bent over, tugging my pant's leg over my ankle. I turned my head to the side to see Edward staring at me. I realized he had a perfect view of my rear end and the black lace panties Alice had insisted on getting me. My face burned with my blush as I quickly stood up and yanked my pants up the rest of the way. I couldn't turn around and face him.

"Did you need something?" My eyes were clenched shut as I prayed he would just not say anything about this.

"I was … um … yeah, I … never mind."

The door closed and I let out the breath I'd been holding in. I reached out with a shaking hand and pulled out my blue sweater. I was absolutely mortified! Why did these things always seem to happen to me? I started crying, the ultimate sign I'd been embarrassed past the point of no return.

I roughly pulled the sweater over my head, angry I was crying. Why did I have to be in such a hurry? If I'd just taken a second to shut the damn door … I sat down on the edge of the tub, staring at my bare feet.

He knocked on the door. "Bella? Are you okay?"

I sniffled and wiped at my eyes. "Just another minute."

"Take your time."

I blew out a breath, looking up to the mirror. I shook my head and chuckled darkly at the sight of myself. This really was a rollercoaster night for me.

I grabbed my cell phone from the counter. I was going to do something very strange for me. I was going to call someone for help.

"Bella, are you okay?" Angela's panicked voice asked.

"I'm okay. Physically, anyway."

"What's going on? What happened?"

"I just embarrassed myself to tears."

"Oh, no! What happened? Did you fall?"

"I …"

"Bella, this is me. I've been with you through it all. Remember kindergarten and the dress incident?"

I started laughing, knowing it was Angela's intent all along. "Yeah, I remember that."

"What happened? Why is the fearless Bella Swan, my best friend, freaking out?"

"I forgot to shut the bathroom door and Edward walked in while my pants were down around my knees and I was bent over trying to fix my pant's leg."

"Oh, no, Bella!"

"I can't go out that door and face him."

"You can and you will."

"I don't see how."

"So it's not the most conventional way for your boyfriend to see your butt for the first time. There are worse things than having your boyfriend walk in on you."

"Like what?" I snorted.

"Having it be a complete stranger! Or Ben! Bella, I think you should just take a few deep breaths and calm down. I've seen the way Edward looks at you. He adores you. I'm sure he won't make fun of you. It's not like it happened with Emmett around."

"Small favors," I muttered.

"Isabella Marie Swan, suck it up!" Angela yelled. "You are being ridiculous! Sure, it was embarrassing, but so what? You are in New York City with a man you love and you have twenty three minutes to get your camera and take pictures of that ball dropping for me! If you come home without them, I will do something much more embarrassing to you. Are we clear?"

"Yes," I gulped.

"Good. Tell Edward hello for me," she laughed as she hung up the phone.

I stared at my phone for a moment. It seemed as if Angela had been suddenly possessed by Alice. I shook my head as I sighed and stood up. I grabbed a washcloth and cleaned my face. I checked over my shirt, making sure I had at least put it on correctly.

I grabbed some socks and put them on. I slid into my sneakers and walked over to the door. I took a deep breath and opened it. Edward was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for me. Time to find out exactly what he would say. I sighed and stepped out of the bathroom, ready to meet my fate.