On time once again! We are back on track, so HURRAY! ENJOY!

Christine adjusted her mask again. For some reason it felt weird to be wearing something that she knew to be reserved for Erik on her own face. As she gazed into the mirror, she felt as though she was looking at a female version of Erik. She shuddered a little at the thought. She did not like it, but she had to wear it if she and Erik were to blend in.

But her apprehensions soon disappeared as two arms encircled her waist a lips kissed her cheek. "Did I ever tell you how absolutely gorgeous and beautiful you look, my angel?" Christine blushed and looked down.

"Well, not in the past two minutes, no. That must be a new record, MY angel." Erik laughed and kissed her again.

"Yes, you are right, it must be. And I have been in agony for the entire time, so let me just tell you that this gown makes you seem like the only beautiful woman in the entire world, and any man would be the luckiest man to have you. Which is why I am grateful that I got to you first."

"Yes, but that was not exactly my choice. You kidnaped me and made me marry you, so no other men even had a change."

"And I am sorry for that." Christine rolled her eyes, not believing him in the least.

"Of course you are, just like you are sorry that you can kiss me whenever you please." Erik grinned and kissed her cheek again.

"Well, this marriage does have its perks, and who am I to make you miserable for it all." Christine just rolled her eyes again and leaned back against him.

Suddenly Christine heard footsteps approaching and quickly ripped her mask off and put it in her purse, just as Madame Giry walked into the room, carrying the twins in her arms. "Ah, you two look absolutely beautiful together. I hope that you have a wonderful evening out in Paris. You two need it." Christine smiled at her.

"Thank you, and we greatly appreciate you being willing to watch Royden and Rose for the evening. I would never feel comfortable leaving them with anyone else."

Madame Giry smiled down the two sleeping babies she held in her arms. "Well, I consider it the greatest job I could do. These two are like grandchildren to me, so any amount of time I can spend with them is wonderful. Now, you two must get going before I have to kick you two out." Erik laughed and kissed each of the twins, disturbing them only slightly in their slumber, before taking Christine by the arm and leading her to the boat.

As they rowed along, Christine began to actually get excited about the masquerade. This would be the first time above the surface for months, and she would actually be around more people then just Erik and Madame Giry. She would be dancing, laughing and eating. She might even see Meg. She had forgotten to ask Madame Giry how Meg was, but now she might be able to see for herself. Oh, she could not wait!

Erik, on the other hand, was more nervous then excited. He had never been among people in his normal mask, he normally wore a black mask that covered most of his face. This on only covered half his face and his other eye. Also, seeing Christine in a mask like his unnerved him. It made him think that she was disfigured like he was, and if he pulled it away his beautiful Christine would be deformed. Not that he would love her any less, but it still scared him to think of her sharing his same fate. He was already eternally grateful to God that both of his children were not only normal, but beautiful in his eyes. But he still hated to think of any of them being like him, deformed and shunned from society forever. But, he refocused his gaze ahead, sending up a silent prayer that everything would go well and none of his family would ever be deformed.

When they reached the other shore, Erik helped Christine up and led her through the maze of tunnels until they reached a hidden door that was just inside the Opera House, allowing them to sneak in unnoticed and look as though they took the normal entrance. He gave Christine his arm and the pair of them entered into the main foyer, where Erik suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

Red draperies covered all the walls, wrapping around the pillars. Gargoyles adorned every corner of the room, seeming to sneer down at the guests from their aloft homes. Red roses with black ribbons were tucked into every man's shirt pocket, every woman's hand or hair, and in large bouquets on the tables. Black candlesticks added light, but seemed to do it with an eery cast. Red skulls sat on tables, stairs and in the middle of food trays, wanting to strike fear into everyone's hearts.

But what really stunned Erik was the guests. Everyone, EVERYONE was wearing his white mask, and had outfits of either red or black with hints of white. Erik felt as though he was living a nightmare where he was everywhere, but the feeling of Christine squeezing his hand for support made him take a deep breath and look at everything again, wondering why the theme seemed to be, well, him.

"Ah, Christine, I am happy you were able to attend. And who is this gentleman with you?"

Oh boy, who is it this time? PLEASE REVIEW and I will try to keep on schedule! Until next chapter, Li Li