Disclaimer : I don't own any of the characters. They belong to Gaston
Leroux. Alain Choletti and Gerard Carriere belong to Misters Yeston and
Kopit. (perhaps I should change the phrasing for a bit of novelty…)
Christine's point of view
Erik was gone and I was quite alone in my dressing room. Everything was as I had left it, Marguerite's brown wig was still pooling on the floor. It was almost eerie to see that nothing had moved since I left three days ago. Didn't they come looking for me here? I remembered Raoul forcing his way into the room, calling my name, hoping I would answer him. It seemed so distant now, the hurried flight from the angry crowds, the journey through the cellars and the arrival at the house on the lake. A clock chimed in the distance, half past six, time to get ready for the ball. While I dressed I found myself thinking of what was to come that evening. I could run away now, but I had no desire to do so. It seemed disloyal just to think about it. I had betrayed Erik's trust once, I would not do it again. Erik's request puzzled me, he had asked for the first two dances, when it was customary to ask only for the first one, or the first waltz or something of that nature. His unusual request both flattered and intrigued me. Was there a specific reason for his asking for two dances? Even if there was not, I would know soon enough what his costume was. He had not given the smallest hint as to what it was, and I found my curiosity was wound up to breaking point by all his secrecy. If I knew him as well as I thought I did, he would be wearing something grand and yet in good taste, after all, he was always moving about in evening attire. I slipped the lovely white gown over my head and let it fall into place, a perfect fit, as was to be expected. How Erik knew my measurements was still a mystery, but if I resembled his mother as much as Mister Carriere had implied, there was a good chance I had the built as her. Images of the portrait of her hung in Erik's room floated through my mind as I fastened the buttons at the back of my dress. She must have been a wonderful woman, capable of looking upon Erik's face and smile. I had thought myself capable of doing it as well, but I could not. His face had been too much of a shock. How could any human being have such a face, and how could anyone not be startled by it? No imagination could conjure such an image, not even in the worst of nightmares. I shuddered, the shock I had received from his face was nothing next to the agony my words must have put him through. I was so sure I could look at him and not be repelled that I used the cruelest argument I could come up with : "If you love me, let me love you too". Those words must have been a greater torture than my fainting at the sight of him. The clock chimed seven times. Time went by so swiftly when my thoughts dwelled on Erik, it was as if he had the power to control the race of time. I sat down at my dresser and proceeded to arrange my hair into a tight bun, although Erik seemed to prefer when I let it down on my shoulders. Make-up was not a necessity, since the mask would cover my face, but it seemed preferable to conceal the pale shadows under my eyes. Raoul would very likely be there tonight, I thought with a sigh. I had scarcely given him a thought for two days, but now that I was free of Erik's presence, I could think of him clearly. Raoul had been a wonderful friend when we were children, but he had changed so much that I hardly recognized the darling boy who brought me back my scarf. He was nearly as jealous as Erik was, but the difference was that Erik never looked at other women, while Raoul spent the best part of his time flirting with all the girls in the company. I put down my brush with a sigh and looked at myself in the mirror. I knew what I had to do to solve this situation, three simple words were all it took to end the rivalry that had grown into enmity.
Erik's point of view
Once Christine was safely back to her dressing room, I hurried back down, wary of encountering Gerard. He had followed Christine and I since our departure from the house. He itched to ask what I had in mind, that was for certain, but I would not indulge his curiosity. I would not allow anyone to spoil my evening with Christine, even if it meant killing them. Relief washed over me when I reached the lake and found no trace of Gerard. Good, that way there would be no unpleasant confrontation, I thought. "Erik! Wait!" How could I have thought for a moment that Gerard would leave me alone? I turned to face him with a sigh, making it plain to see that his presence was not welcome. "Erik, what have you done with Christine?" he asked. Ah, of course, his only concern now was her, not me. "I have done nothing with her… I wish I had though.." I said mockingly, although it was the truth. "Erik! Do be serious, where is she?" he insisted. "Ahh, Gerard, don't be such a nag. She is up there, in her dressing room preparing for the ball, and if you don't mind, I have to get ready myself." I answered before turning back to the lake and jumping into the boat, eager to distance myself from him. "What are you talking about? Surely you don't mean to actually go to the ball?" he exclaimed incredulously. The look on his face was priceless, astonishment mingling with suspicion and disbelief. "Why don't you go and ask Christine yourself? I am sure it will be her pleasure to answer your questions, but be sure to knock before entering, she is not used to being intruded on". That silenced him, about time. As good a fellow as he was, he could be infuriating at times. I rowed my way back with haste, not keen on wasting anymore time on pointless arguments with the former manager. I moored the boat and hurried to my room. My costume was just a little eye-opener for the guests, the real surprise was much more substantial, but still harmless. Champagne would be flowing in endless torrents that night. Most guests would be in no state to think straight after the first hour, and that gave me a golden opportunity to play one more trick on that detestable Carlotta. The fleas in her wig and the stuck glass had been amusing, but tonight, I was planning something a bit more daring. The wonders one could do with a little knowledge of chemicals and make-up… I chuckled to myself, it was time to get on with the show. I removed The Red Death costume from it's box and held it up, examining it's crimson splendor. It was outrageously flashy and yet there was something positively regal to it. I looked at the gold lettering on the cloak : Do not touch me. I am Red Death stalking abroad. How dramatic, I sneered. The skull mask would be a nice complement to the disguise. There was a chance that it would upset Christine to dance with such a character… but with luck it would at least make the dear vicomte run for his life. I threw back my head and indulged in a good long laugh, the image of a white- faced vicomte running to hide in his admirers' skirts dancing in my head.
Christine's point of view
At a quarter past eight, I made my way down to the foyer that was already filling with people in bright costumes. I went to a corner and leaned my back against the wall. The rush of arrivals would not start until nine or nine thirty, and the dance at ten. Erik was not likely to make his entrance before that time, so I entertained myself by watching the procession of masks and costumes. A general accompanied by a ballerina, that must have been Meg Giry and one of the opera's rich patron; a maharaja with a milk- maid, what a strange couple; Dartagnan surrounded by Juliet, Pandora, Marie- Antoinette and some other princess… They were talking and laughing together like good friends. A young man who had taken his sisters to the ball with him, I assumed. I recognized the girl disguised as Marie-Antoinette, she was a member of the chorus. She whispered something in the young man's ear, and he bellowed with laughter, his voice sounding very familiar. I nearly jumped out of my skin as I realized who it was : that musketeer was Raoul! Surrounded by his little circle of conquests, I noted. There was a bitter taste in my mouth, he didn't seem so worried about my fate now, he had simply brushed all thoughts of me aside and was getting on with his life as if I had never existed. The nerve of him! After all his promises and pretty words, he simply forgot me when I was no longer within his reach. I had the sudden urge to throw something at him, if only to remove that cocky smile from his mouth. I found myself longing for Erik with desperate urgency. It was only nine, he would not show up for at least another half hour. It was impossible to breathe in that crowded space, I needed some fresh air to clear my head. I stormed out of the room before I did something stupid. The rotunda was packed with people descending from their carriages, but I managed to find a quiet little spot to calm down my anger. Although it was late summer, the air was quite cool outside, and I welcomed the breeze that played with my hair. I removed my mask, relishing the feeling of cold air against my face. Somebody tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned cold with apprehension, thinking it might be Raoul. It was Gerard Carriere. I released the breath I had been holding in relief, the sight of him was always a welcome one. He spoke in a worried tone : "Mademoiselle Daaé, are you alright?" What an affable man, I thought. "Don't worry Monsieur Carriere, I am well, as you can see." I replied. He seemed relived at this. Had he expected Erik to hurt me? "I am glad to see that Erik has released you, but you should leave now, before he takes you down below again." He was tugging at my arm gently as he said this, clearly concerned about my safety. "I cannot go, Monsieur Carriere, I promised Erik I would dance with him." Monsieur Carriere's eyebrows shot up at this. Whatever he had been expecting, it wasn't this! I giggled, amused that he seemed so shocked at my words. "Don't worry, Monsieur Carriere, everything will be fine. Erik will never harm me, he has proved it. Now, if you please, I must go back inside, it is rather chilly hear." I said replacing my mask. "Wait, Mademoi…" he began. "I have seen his face." I said simply before hurrying inside, leaving a rather confused Monsieur Carriere behind me.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I managed to catch with Erik when he returned to the lakeside, alone. It seemed he had taken the girl back above, where she belonged, but with him, there was no way to be sure. I called him before he could get away : " Erik! Wait!" He stopped in his stride and turned to me, his eyes glaring daggers at me. "Erik, what have you done with Christine?" I asked without preamble, hoping to startle him into a direct answer. I was sorely disappointed : "I have done nothing with her… I wish I had though..". Couldn't he give a straight answer at least once in his life? "Erik! Do be serious, where is she?" I asked again, indignation flaring in my voice. "Ahh, Gerard, don't be such a nag. She is up there, in her dressing room preparing for the ball, and if you don't mind, I have to get ready myself." He replied, jumping into his boat. I was stumped. Get ready for what? What was all this about? "What are you talking about? Surely you don't mean to actually go to the ball?" That was a stupid question. When Erik had something in mind, there was nothing to be done to make him change his mind. "Why don't you go and ask Christine yourself? I am sure it will be her pleasure to answer your questions, but be sure to knock before entering, she is not used to being intruded on" he said casually before rowing off into darkness. I waited until I saw him disappear into his house, then left, having done all I could down here. What was this nonsense about the ball? How could he possibly believe that Christine would not run away the minute she was out of the catacombs? It would be helpful indeed to have her version of that story, for I was absolutely clueless as to what was going on. I went back to the surface and looked for Christine's room. It was somewhere in a generally deserted area of the opera house, way beyond the stage. Humming could be heard through the door, so she was there. I thought of knocking, but it occurred to me that she might want to be left alone at the moment. I would wait until she came out, or rather, I would have done so had it not been for Choletti. He showed up twenty minutes after I had started my vigil at Christine's door, and insisted that I go with him so he could show all he had planned to make the evening a success. At nine I excused myself by saying I had to go home and don my costume for the masquerade. Thank God he let me off and went on search of his wife then. I dashed to Christine's dressing room as soon as he was out of sight, only to find that she was gone. That was a relief, for now she was out of Erik's reach, for the moment. I made my way to the rotunda to fetch my carriage and head home, but just as I reached the steps I saw Christine leaning on the wall, dressed in a beautiful white gown and holding a mask in her hands. She looked troubled. I approached her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and her whole face lit up when she recognized me, sweet child. "Mademoiselle Daaé, are you alright?" I asked worriedly. Just because she seemed alright didn't mean she was alright. "Don't worry Monsieur Carriere, I am well, as you can see." She answered, a slight smile illuminating her tired face. "I am glad to see that Erik has released you, but you should leave now, before he takes you down below again." I urged her. It would do her no good to stay around here. "I cannot go, Monsieur Carriere, I promised Erik I would dance with him." She what? If anything that was even more confusing than the conversation I had had with Erik a few hours earlier. She laughed lightly, obviously finding by my bemused expression funny. "Don't worry, Monsieur Carriere, everything will be fine. Erik will never harm me, he has proved it. Now, if you please, I must go back inside, it is rather chilly hear." She said as she put on her mask and turned to go. "Wait, Mademoi…" I started to say, but she cut me off : "I have seen his face." She said as an explanation before disappearing from view. She had seen him, and yet she did not run away. Could it be that I had been mistaken about them? I hoped so, it would make me very happy to see Erik loved and accepted by someone else than I. Was that not what all fathers wished for their sons? *
Erik's point of view
My little packet was ready, all I had left to do was to become the Red Death. I glanced at my watch and saw with pleasure that it was nine fifteen. I would be just in time for the beginning of the dance, and the first two would be with Christine, not that I had any intention of dancing with another woman. I put on the deep red tunic, pleased to see that it fitted perfectly. That tailor certainly knew how to handle his needles. I draped the velvet cloak across my shoulders, feeling like a god from the hells about to come up to the mortals realm. I removed my white mask and put on the fake skull, then placed the plumed hat on my head. I would cause quite a sensation tonight, I sneered. Picking up the small leather pouch I had left on the table, I strode to the lake. Hades had to cross the Styx before joining the foolish mortals above, and like Hades, I was going to see my love. There were too many people to use the main secret passages, someone was bound to see them open. The one in box five would have to do, besides, even if there were someone in the auditorium, I would be invisible among the red velvet adorning the box. I reached the hollow column in record time, and entered the box with familiar ease. There wasn't a soul in the abandoned auditorium. no couples in hiding seeking refuge from prying eyes, yet. It happened each year, some pairs would drink too much and ended up in one of the boxes for a little privacy. No doubt the vicomte would try that with one of those airheads he liked so much. He had better keep to those silly girls and not try to make a move on Christine, or he would be sorry, just like Carlotta would be by midnight. I snickered at the thought. I wonder what she will look like with pink hair? Just a little spray of my magic powder, and she would once again be the evening's entertainment. I took out my watch and looked at the time : 9:45. Better to hurry now, the dance started in fifteen minutes, and the lovely Colombine was waiting for her partner. The foyer was full, as was to be expected, and it took me some time before I could locate Christine from my vantage point on the stairs. She was standing by herself in a corner, her head moving from side to side, she was looking for me. Well, it was rude to make a lady wait, I thought. I was descending the stairs when the music for the first dance started to play, then something infuriating happened. A man dressed as a musketeer had approached Christine, no doubt to invite her. The vicomte, I thought angrily. It had to be him, judging from the amount of women glaring at Christine. He was leading her, or rather pulling her, onto the dance when I reached them. "Raoul, I told you I reserved this dance for someone else! Let me go!" she was saying over and over. I grabbed the boy's wrist and pushed him away. "Excuse me, I believe this lady has kept this dance for me." I snarled before moving away to spin Christine around the dance floor. "Erik?" she asked nervously. I winked at her in response and picked up the pace to follow the music. She smiled and followed my lead. "This is very awkward" she said. "What is?" I asked, afraid that my appearance or my behavior towards the vicomte had somehow upset her. Her answer dispelled all my worries. " Dartagnan has just lost a battle and doesn't come seeking revenge." She said thoughtfully. I laughed, glad to see that she didn't seem to care about what happened to the vicomte. That was good, for I had something in store for him.
Author's note : Well, the show will go on in the next part. I am just getting to the funny part. I hope you still enjoy the story. Thanks to my faithful readers for reviewing each chapter. (^_^)
* In the movie, Carriere is Erik's father. Sorry to give that away, but it will be of importance in future chapters.
Christine's point of view
Erik was gone and I was quite alone in my dressing room. Everything was as I had left it, Marguerite's brown wig was still pooling on the floor. It was almost eerie to see that nothing had moved since I left three days ago. Didn't they come looking for me here? I remembered Raoul forcing his way into the room, calling my name, hoping I would answer him. It seemed so distant now, the hurried flight from the angry crowds, the journey through the cellars and the arrival at the house on the lake. A clock chimed in the distance, half past six, time to get ready for the ball. While I dressed I found myself thinking of what was to come that evening. I could run away now, but I had no desire to do so. It seemed disloyal just to think about it. I had betrayed Erik's trust once, I would not do it again. Erik's request puzzled me, he had asked for the first two dances, when it was customary to ask only for the first one, or the first waltz or something of that nature. His unusual request both flattered and intrigued me. Was there a specific reason for his asking for two dances? Even if there was not, I would know soon enough what his costume was. He had not given the smallest hint as to what it was, and I found my curiosity was wound up to breaking point by all his secrecy. If I knew him as well as I thought I did, he would be wearing something grand and yet in good taste, after all, he was always moving about in evening attire. I slipped the lovely white gown over my head and let it fall into place, a perfect fit, as was to be expected. How Erik knew my measurements was still a mystery, but if I resembled his mother as much as Mister Carriere had implied, there was a good chance I had the built as her. Images of the portrait of her hung in Erik's room floated through my mind as I fastened the buttons at the back of my dress. She must have been a wonderful woman, capable of looking upon Erik's face and smile. I had thought myself capable of doing it as well, but I could not. His face had been too much of a shock. How could any human being have such a face, and how could anyone not be startled by it? No imagination could conjure such an image, not even in the worst of nightmares. I shuddered, the shock I had received from his face was nothing next to the agony my words must have put him through. I was so sure I could look at him and not be repelled that I used the cruelest argument I could come up with : "If you love me, let me love you too". Those words must have been a greater torture than my fainting at the sight of him. The clock chimed seven times. Time went by so swiftly when my thoughts dwelled on Erik, it was as if he had the power to control the race of time. I sat down at my dresser and proceeded to arrange my hair into a tight bun, although Erik seemed to prefer when I let it down on my shoulders. Make-up was not a necessity, since the mask would cover my face, but it seemed preferable to conceal the pale shadows under my eyes. Raoul would very likely be there tonight, I thought with a sigh. I had scarcely given him a thought for two days, but now that I was free of Erik's presence, I could think of him clearly. Raoul had been a wonderful friend when we were children, but he had changed so much that I hardly recognized the darling boy who brought me back my scarf. He was nearly as jealous as Erik was, but the difference was that Erik never looked at other women, while Raoul spent the best part of his time flirting with all the girls in the company. I put down my brush with a sigh and looked at myself in the mirror. I knew what I had to do to solve this situation, three simple words were all it took to end the rivalry that had grown into enmity.
Erik's point of view
Once Christine was safely back to her dressing room, I hurried back down, wary of encountering Gerard. He had followed Christine and I since our departure from the house. He itched to ask what I had in mind, that was for certain, but I would not indulge his curiosity. I would not allow anyone to spoil my evening with Christine, even if it meant killing them. Relief washed over me when I reached the lake and found no trace of Gerard. Good, that way there would be no unpleasant confrontation, I thought. "Erik! Wait!" How could I have thought for a moment that Gerard would leave me alone? I turned to face him with a sigh, making it plain to see that his presence was not welcome. "Erik, what have you done with Christine?" he asked. Ah, of course, his only concern now was her, not me. "I have done nothing with her… I wish I had though.." I said mockingly, although it was the truth. "Erik! Do be serious, where is she?" he insisted. "Ahh, Gerard, don't be such a nag. She is up there, in her dressing room preparing for the ball, and if you don't mind, I have to get ready myself." I answered before turning back to the lake and jumping into the boat, eager to distance myself from him. "What are you talking about? Surely you don't mean to actually go to the ball?" he exclaimed incredulously. The look on his face was priceless, astonishment mingling with suspicion and disbelief. "Why don't you go and ask Christine yourself? I am sure it will be her pleasure to answer your questions, but be sure to knock before entering, she is not used to being intruded on". That silenced him, about time. As good a fellow as he was, he could be infuriating at times. I rowed my way back with haste, not keen on wasting anymore time on pointless arguments with the former manager. I moored the boat and hurried to my room. My costume was just a little eye-opener for the guests, the real surprise was much more substantial, but still harmless. Champagne would be flowing in endless torrents that night. Most guests would be in no state to think straight after the first hour, and that gave me a golden opportunity to play one more trick on that detestable Carlotta. The fleas in her wig and the stuck glass had been amusing, but tonight, I was planning something a bit more daring. The wonders one could do with a little knowledge of chemicals and make-up… I chuckled to myself, it was time to get on with the show. I removed The Red Death costume from it's box and held it up, examining it's crimson splendor. It was outrageously flashy and yet there was something positively regal to it. I looked at the gold lettering on the cloak : Do not touch me. I am Red Death stalking abroad. How dramatic, I sneered. The skull mask would be a nice complement to the disguise. There was a chance that it would upset Christine to dance with such a character… but with luck it would at least make the dear vicomte run for his life. I threw back my head and indulged in a good long laugh, the image of a white- faced vicomte running to hide in his admirers' skirts dancing in my head.
Christine's point of view
At a quarter past eight, I made my way down to the foyer that was already filling with people in bright costumes. I went to a corner and leaned my back against the wall. The rush of arrivals would not start until nine or nine thirty, and the dance at ten. Erik was not likely to make his entrance before that time, so I entertained myself by watching the procession of masks and costumes. A general accompanied by a ballerina, that must have been Meg Giry and one of the opera's rich patron; a maharaja with a milk- maid, what a strange couple; Dartagnan surrounded by Juliet, Pandora, Marie- Antoinette and some other princess… They were talking and laughing together like good friends. A young man who had taken his sisters to the ball with him, I assumed. I recognized the girl disguised as Marie-Antoinette, she was a member of the chorus. She whispered something in the young man's ear, and he bellowed with laughter, his voice sounding very familiar. I nearly jumped out of my skin as I realized who it was : that musketeer was Raoul! Surrounded by his little circle of conquests, I noted. There was a bitter taste in my mouth, he didn't seem so worried about my fate now, he had simply brushed all thoughts of me aside and was getting on with his life as if I had never existed. The nerve of him! After all his promises and pretty words, he simply forgot me when I was no longer within his reach. I had the sudden urge to throw something at him, if only to remove that cocky smile from his mouth. I found myself longing for Erik with desperate urgency. It was only nine, he would not show up for at least another half hour. It was impossible to breathe in that crowded space, I needed some fresh air to clear my head. I stormed out of the room before I did something stupid. The rotunda was packed with people descending from their carriages, but I managed to find a quiet little spot to calm down my anger. Although it was late summer, the air was quite cool outside, and I welcomed the breeze that played with my hair. I removed my mask, relishing the feeling of cold air against my face. Somebody tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned cold with apprehension, thinking it might be Raoul. It was Gerard Carriere. I released the breath I had been holding in relief, the sight of him was always a welcome one. He spoke in a worried tone : "Mademoiselle Daaé, are you alright?" What an affable man, I thought. "Don't worry Monsieur Carriere, I am well, as you can see." I replied. He seemed relived at this. Had he expected Erik to hurt me? "I am glad to see that Erik has released you, but you should leave now, before he takes you down below again." He was tugging at my arm gently as he said this, clearly concerned about my safety. "I cannot go, Monsieur Carriere, I promised Erik I would dance with him." Monsieur Carriere's eyebrows shot up at this. Whatever he had been expecting, it wasn't this! I giggled, amused that he seemed so shocked at my words. "Don't worry, Monsieur Carriere, everything will be fine. Erik will never harm me, he has proved it. Now, if you please, I must go back inside, it is rather chilly hear." I said replacing my mask. "Wait, Mademoi…" he began. "I have seen his face." I said simply before hurrying inside, leaving a rather confused Monsieur Carriere behind me.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I managed to catch with Erik when he returned to the lakeside, alone. It seemed he had taken the girl back above, where she belonged, but with him, there was no way to be sure. I called him before he could get away : " Erik! Wait!" He stopped in his stride and turned to me, his eyes glaring daggers at me. "Erik, what have you done with Christine?" I asked without preamble, hoping to startle him into a direct answer. I was sorely disappointed : "I have done nothing with her… I wish I had though..". Couldn't he give a straight answer at least once in his life? "Erik! Do be serious, where is she?" I asked again, indignation flaring in my voice. "Ahh, Gerard, don't be such a nag. She is up there, in her dressing room preparing for the ball, and if you don't mind, I have to get ready myself." He replied, jumping into his boat. I was stumped. Get ready for what? What was all this about? "What are you talking about? Surely you don't mean to actually go to the ball?" That was a stupid question. When Erik had something in mind, there was nothing to be done to make him change his mind. "Why don't you go and ask Christine yourself? I am sure it will be her pleasure to answer your questions, but be sure to knock before entering, she is not used to being intruded on" he said casually before rowing off into darkness. I waited until I saw him disappear into his house, then left, having done all I could down here. What was this nonsense about the ball? How could he possibly believe that Christine would not run away the minute she was out of the catacombs? It would be helpful indeed to have her version of that story, for I was absolutely clueless as to what was going on. I went back to the surface and looked for Christine's room. It was somewhere in a generally deserted area of the opera house, way beyond the stage. Humming could be heard through the door, so she was there. I thought of knocking, but it occurred to me that she might want to be left alone at the moment. I would wait until she came out, or rather, I would have done so had it not been for Choletti. He showed up twenty minutes after I had started my vigil at Christine's door, and insisted that I go with him so he could show all he had planned to make the evening a success. At nine I excused myself by saying I had to go home and don my costume for the masquerade. Thank God he let me off and went on search of his wife then. I dashed to Christine's dressing room as soon as he was out of sight, only to find that she was gone. That was a relief, for now she was out of Erik's reach, for the moment. I made my way to the rotunda to fetch my carriage and head home, but just as I reached the steps I saw Christine leaning on the wall, dressed in a beautiful white gown and holding a mask in her hands. She looked troubled. I approached her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and her whole face lit up when she recognized me, sweet child. "Mademoiselle Daaé, are you alright?" I asked worriedly. Just because she seemed alright didn't mean she was alright. "Don't worry Monsieur Carriere, I am well, as you can see." She answered, a slight smile illuminating her tired face. "I am glad to see that Erik has released you, but you should leave now, before he takes you down below again." I urged her. It would do her no good to stay around here. "I cannot go, Monsieur Carriere, I promised Erik I would dance with him." She what? If anything that was even more confusing than the conversation I had had with Erik a few hours earlier. She laughed lightly, obviously finding by my bemused expression funny. "Don't worry, Monsieur Carriere, everything will be fine. Erik will never harm me, he has proved it. Now, if you please, I must go back inside, it is rather chilly hear." She said as she put on her mask and turned to go. "Wait, Mademoi…" I started to say, but she cut me off : "I have seen his face." She said as an explanation before disappearing from view. She had seen him, and yet she did not run away. Could it be that I had been mistaken about them? I hoped so, it would make me very happy to see Erik loved and accepted by someone else than I. Was that not what all fathers wished for their sons? *
Erik's point of view
My little packet was ready, all I had left to do was to become the Red Death. I glanced at my watch and saw with pleasure that it was nine fifteen. I would be just in time for the beginning of the dance, and the first two would be with Christine, not that I had any intention of dancing with another woman. I put on the deep red tunic, pleased to see that it fitted perfectly. That tailor certainly knew how to handle his needles. I draped the velvet cloak across my shoulders, feeling like a god from the hells about to come up to the mortals realm. I removed my white mask and put on the fake skull, then placed the plumed hat on my head. I would cause quite a sensation tonight, I sneered. Picking up the small leather pouch I had left on the table, I strode to the lake. Hades had to cross the Styx before joining the foolish mortals above, and like Hades, I was going to see my love. There were too many people to use the main secret passages, someone was bound to see them open. The one in box five would have to do, besides, even if there were someone in the auditorium, I would be invisible among the red velvet adorning the box. I reached the hollow column in record time, and entered the box with familiar ease. There wasn't a soul in the abandoned auditorium. no couples in hiding seeking refuge from prying eyes, yet. It happened each year, some pairs would drink too much and ended up in one of the boxes for a little privacy. No doubt the vicomte would try that with one of those airheads he liked so much. He had better keep to those silly girls and not try to make a move on Christine, or he would be sorry, just like Carlotta would be by midnight. I snickered at the thought. I wonder what she will look like with pink hair? Just a little spray of my magic powder, and she would once again be the evening's entertainment. I took out my watch and looked at the time : 9:45. Better to hurry now, the dance started in fifteen minutes, and the lovely Colombine was waiting for her partner. The foyer was full, as was to be expected, and it took me some time before I could locate Christine from my vantage point on the stairs. She was standing by herself in a corner, her head moving from side to side, she was looking for me. Well, it was rude to make a lady wait, I thought. I was descending the stairs when the music for the first dance started to play, then something infuriating happened. A man dressed as a musketeer had approached Christine, no doubt to invite her. The vicomte, I thought angrily. It had to be him, judging from the amount of women glaring at Christine. He was leading her, or rather pulling her, onto the dance when I reached them. "Raoul, I told you I reserved this dance for someone else! Let me go!" she was saying over and over. I grabbed the boy's wrist and pushed him away. "Excuse me, I believe this lady has kept this dance for me." I snarled before moving away to spin Christine around the dance floor. "Erik?" she asked nervously. I winked at her in response and picked up the pace to follow the music. She smiled and followed my lead. "This is very awkward" she said. "What is?" I asked, afraid that my appearance or my behavior towards the vicomte had somehow upset her. Her answer dispelled all my worries. " Dartagnan has just lost a battle and doesn't come seeking revenge." She said thoughtfully. I laughed, glad to see that she didn't seem to care about what happened to the vicomte. That was good, for I had something in store for him.
Author's note : Well, the show will go on in the next part. I am just getting to the funny part. I hope you still enjoy the story. Thanks to my faithful readers for reviewing each chapter. (^_^)
* In the movie, Carriere is Erik's father. Sorry to give that away, but it will be of importance in future chapters.